In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a remarkable collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has come to light. These cards, still securely enclosed in their original brown packaging, represent a truly extraordinary discovery within the hobby, particularly considering their untouched condition. The news of this find spread through social media, using a post that showcased a vintage arcade machine reminiscent of the ones that once dispensed these coveted cards.
The discovery was initially shared by Bill Mendel, an experienced professional in the sports memorabilia industry. Mendel learned of the find through a contact on the east coast who had connections to the arcade industry. This contact had acquired 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, provided further validation of their authenticity and historical significance.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a renowned Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, Mendel wasted no time in organizing the consignment of these invaluable treasures. The unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could potentially fetch thousands of dollars each considering their immaculate, uncirculated state. Adding to the allure of this find, the collection also included a partially opened fifth package and several loose cards, including ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other iconic baseball legends, making this discovery all the more exceptional.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, characterized by their red-printed career statistics, are highly sought after 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 rare, often commanding high prices in the collector’s market.
This comprehensive collection, encompassing both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is set to be auctioned off and has already generated substantial interest and bids. This upcoming auction not only presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors but also pays homage to the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, taking us back to a simpler time when obtaining a card was as effortless as inserting a coin into a machine.
Securing these items for auction marks a significant milestone for Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, showcasing the enduring allure and excitement of uncovering sports memorabilia treasures. Whether these packs will be opened or kept sealed will be at the discretion of the winning bidders, but the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a triumph for collectors and historians alike, celebrating the enduring legacy of baseball’s illustrious past.
