In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, an incredible collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards have recently come to light. These cards, which are still sealed in their original brown packaging, represent a remarkable find within the hobby, particularly due to their untouched condition. The news of this discovery was shared with the public through a social media post that showcased a vintage arcade machine reminiscent of the ones that used to dispense these cards.
The news of the find reached Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, who was astounded by the discovery. Mendel was informed by a contact on the east coast, who had connections to the arcade business and had acquired these cards from Mike Munves, a notable distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s. Once the sealed packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, were revealed, their authenticity and historical significance were confirmed.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, Mendel wasted no time arranging for the consignment of these extraordinary treasures. The unopened bricks are believed to contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, and their pristine, uncirculated state could make them worth thousands of dollars each. An added surprise was the discovery of a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, including ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and various other baseball legends, further enhancing the value of this find.
The 1963 “stat back” cards are renowned for their red-printed career statistics and are highly sought after due to their quality and scarcity. While loose cards from this era and series are not uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally rare, often commanding high prices on the collector’s market.
This extraordinary collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and loose cards, is now set to be auctioned off and has already generated significant interest and bids. This auction not only offers collectors a unique opportunity but also celebrates 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 Bill Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction is a tremendous accomplishment, showcasing the enduring allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia treasures. Whether the winning bidders choose to open or keep the packs sealed will be their decision, but the sheer existence of these cards in their original untouched state is a triumph for collectors and historians alike, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of baseball’s past.
