In an astonishing turn of events for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has emerged, still encased in their original brown packaging. This discovery has caused quite a buzz within the hobby, particularly due to the untouched state of the cards. The news was shared through a social media post featuring a vintage arcade machine reminiscent of the ones that once dispensed these sought-after collectibles.
Bill Mendel, a respected figure in the sports memorabilia industry, was taken aback when he heard about 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 well-known distributor and repairer of arcade machines in the 1950s and 60s. The confirmed authenticity of the sealed packages, bearing Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, only added to their historical significance.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a memorabilia store and auction house based in Las Vegas, Mendel wasted no time in arranging the consignment of these treasures. The unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could potentially fetch thousands of dollars each given their pristine, uncirculated condition. Adding to the excitement, the collection also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, including ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and many other baseball legends, making this find truly extraordinary.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, known for displaying career statistics in red, are considered rare due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series are not uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally uncommon, with similar items commanding high prices in the collector’s market.
The entire collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is now set for auction and has generated great interest and numerous bids. This auction not only provides a unique opportunity for collectors but also serves as a celebration of the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, harkening back to a time when obtaining a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction is a significant achievement, shining a light on the enduring allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia gems. Whether the winning bidders choose to open these packs or preserve them in their pristine state, the mere existence of these cards in their original packaging is a triumph for collectors and historians alike, honoring the legacy of baseball’s past.
