In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a rare collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently been unearthed. These cards, untouched in their original brown packaging, have caused quite a stir within the hobby due to their pristine condition. The revelation of this discovery was made public through a social media post featuring a vintage arcade machine reminiscent of the ones that once dispensed these collectible cards.
The news of the find came as a shock to Bill Mendel, a well-established figure in the sports memorabilia industry. Mendel was informed about the discovery by a contact on the east coast who had connections to the arcade business. 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 authenticity and historical significance of the cards were confirmed by the presence of Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address on the sealed packages.
Mendel, who represents Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, wasted no time arranging for the consignment of these incredible finds. It is estimated that the unopened bricks contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, making them potentially worth thousands of dollars each due to their untouched and uncirculated state. The haul also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, including ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, further adding to the extraordinary nature of this discovery.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, known for featuring career statistics printed in red, are already considered rare due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series can occasionally be found, stumbling upon them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally uncommon. Similar items in good condition have fetched high prices on the collector’s market, underscoring the value of this find.
The entire collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is set to go up for auction, and it has already attracted significant interest and bids from collectors. This auction presents a remarkable opportunity not only for avid collectors but also for those who are drawn to the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting. It takes us back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine and eagerly awaiting the result.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction is a major accomplishment that highlights the ongoing allure and excitement associated with discovering hidden gems in the world of sports memorabilia. Whether the winning bidders choose to open the packs or keep them sealed, the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a victory for collectors and historians alike. It serves as a celebration of the enduring legacy of baseball’s past and the enduring fascination with the hobby of collecting.
