In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a trove of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently come to light. These cards, still in their original brown packaging, represent a significant find within the hobby, particularly due to their pristine, uncirculated condition. The discovery was shared with the public via a social media post featuring a vintage arcade machine reminiscent of those that once dispensed these cards.
Bill Mendel, a well-known figure in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment upon learning about the find from an associate on the east coast. The associate, connected to the arcade business, had acquired the cards from Mike Munves in New York, a recognized distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s. The authenticity and historical value of the sealed packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, were confirmed, adding to the excitement surrounding the discovery.
Mendel, representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, swiftly arranged for the consignment of these treasures. The unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, hold considerable value in their untouched state and could potentially fetch thousands of dollars each. The haul also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, among which were ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, adding an extra layer of extraordinary significance to this find.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, distinguished by their career statistics printed in red, are highly sought after due to their rarity, size, and quality. While loose cards from this era and series are not uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally rare, with similar items commanding substantial prices within the collector’s market.
This collection, encompassing both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is quickly garnering attention and attracting significant interest and bids ahead of its upcoming auction. The auction not only offers collectors a unique opportunity but also serves as a celebration of the history and nostalgia surrounding baseball card collecting, transporting enthusiasts 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 stands as a notable accomplishment, shining a light on the ongoing allure and excitement of uncovering sports memorabilia gems. Whether the winning bidders choose to open the packs or preserve them in their sealed state remains to be seen, but the mere existence of these cards in their original condition is a triumph for collectors and historians alike, commemorating the legacy of baseball’s past.
