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 emerged from the past. Still encased in their original brown packaging, these cards represent a significant find within the hobby, especially considering their untouched state. The news of this discovery was brought to light through a captivating social media post, showcasing a vintage arcade machine that once dispensed these prized cards.
Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, was astounded when he learned about the find from a contact on the east coast. This contact had connections to the arcade business and had acquired the cards from Mike Munves, a renowned distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s. The authenticity and historical value of these cards were confirmed by the sealed packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a well-known Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, Mendel swiftly arranged for the consignment of these rare treasures. The unopened bricks, which likely contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could fetch thousands of dollars each due to their pristine, uncirculated condition. The discovery also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, featuring ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, making this find even more extraordinary.
The 1963 “stat back” cards are celebrated for their red-printed career statistics and are regarded as a rarity due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series are not uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceedingly rare, with similar items commanding high prices in the collector’s market.
This extraordinary collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is now slated for auction, already attracting significant interest and bids from eager collectors. The auction not only presents a unique opportunity for these enthusiasts but also celebrates the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, evoking memories of a simpler time when acquiring a card was as easy as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, the successful acquisition of these items for auction represents a significant accomplishment, shining a spotlight on the enduring allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia gems. Whether the packs will remain unopened or be opened by the winning bidders is a decision yet to be made, but the very existence of these cards in their original state is a triumph for collectors and historians alike, honoring the legacy of baseball’s storied past.
