In a surprising and thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently been unearthed. These cards, still snugly sealed in their original brown packaging, represent a truly extraordinary find in the world of collectibles, particularly due to their pristine, untouched state. The discovery came to light through a social media post that showcased a vintage arcade machine that used to dispense these coveted cards.
The news of this rare find reached Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, who couldn’t contain his astonishment. Mendel learned of the discovery from a contact on the east coast who had connections to the arcade business. It was revealed that the 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 presence of the unopened card packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, provided undeniable proof of their authenticity and historical value.
Mendel, representing Memorabilia Experts, a renowned memorabilia store and auction house based in Las Vegas, wasted no time in arranging for the consignment of these remarkable treasures. The unopened card bricks, which likely contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, hold immense value, potentially fetching thousands of dollars each due to their pristine, uncirculated condition. The collection also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, among them ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and several other iconic baseball legends, making this discovery even more exceptional.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, known for their red-printed career statistics, are highly sought after due to their rarity, size, and quality. While loose cards from this particular era and series aren’t uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is an incredibly rare occurrence, and similar items have previously fetched considerable prices on the collector’s market.
This extraordinary collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is scheduled for auction and has already garnered considerable interest and bidding. The upcoming auction not only presents a unique opportunity for avid collectors but also pays homage to the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, evoking memories of a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a vending machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, successfully securing these items for auction represents a significant accomplishment, shining a spotlight on the enduring allure and excitement of discovering hidden sports memorabilia gems. Whether the winning bidders choose to open these coveted packs or preserve them in their sealed state remains to be seen, but the mere existence of these cards in their original, untouched condition is a win for collectors and historians alike, celebrating the rich legacy of baseball’s illustrious past.