In a thrilling turn of events for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a remarkable collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently been discovered, emerging from the past. These cards, still enclosed in their original brown packaging, are an extraordinary find within the hobby, particularly due to their untouched state. The news of this discovery became public through a social media post that showcased a vintage arcade machine, reminiscent of the ones that once dispensed these highly sought-after cards.
Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment upon learning about the find from a contact on the east coast. This contact, who had connections to the arcade business, had obtained the cards from Mike Munves in New York, a well-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 reputable memorabilia store and auction house based in Las Vegas, quickly arranged for the consignment of these treasures. The unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could fetch thousands of dollars each, given their pristine, uncirculated condition. The astonishing 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, renowned 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 commanding high prices on the collector’s market.
This exceptional collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is destined for auction and has already sparked significant interest and bids. The upcoming auction not only offers a unique opportunity for avid collectors but also celebrates the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, evoking memories of a time when acquiring a coveted card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction represents a momentous achievement, shining a spotlight on the ongoing allure and excitement of uncovering precious sports memorabilia gems. While the decision to open or keep the packs sealed ultimately rests with the winning bidders, the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a triumph for collectors and historians alike, embracing and honoring the timeless legacy of baseball’s rich past.
