In an exciting turn of events for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has been discovered. These cards, still encased in their original brown packaging, represent a significant find within the hobby, especially considering their untouched state. The discovery was made public through a social media post showcasing a vintage arcade machine, reminiscent of those that once dispensed these cards.
Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment upon learning of the find from a contact on the east coast. The contact had connections to the arcade business and had acquired the cards from Mike Munves in New York, a known distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s. The revelation of these sealed packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, confirmed their authenticity and historical value.
Mendel, representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, quickly arranged for the consignment of these treasures. The unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could be worth thousands each given their pristine, uncirculated condition. The haul also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, among them ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, making this find even more extraordinary.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, known for their career statistics printed in red, are a rarity due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series aren’t uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally rare, with similar items fetching high prices on the collector’s market.
This collection, including both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is set for auction, already attracting significant interest and bids. This auction not only presents a unique opportunity for collectors but also celebrates the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, harkening back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction represents a significant achievement, spotlighting the ongoing allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia gems. Whether these packs will be opened or kept sealed remains a decision for the winning bidders, but the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a win for collectors and historians alike, celebrating the legacy of baseball’s past.
