In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently been uncovered. These cards, preserved in their original brown packaging, represent a remarkable find within the hobby, especially considering their untouched condition. The news of this discovery was shared with the world through a social media post that showcased a vintage arcade machine, reminiscent of the ones that were once used to dispense these cards.
Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment upon learning 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 in New York, a well-known distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s. The revelation of these sealed packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, served as further confirmation of their authenticity and historical significance.
Mendel, who represents Memorabilia Experts, a memorabilia store and auction house based in Las Vegas, wasted no time in arranging for the consignment of these extraordinary treasures. The unopened packages, which likely contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could potentially fetch thousands of dollars each due to their pristine, uncirculated state. The collection also included a partially opened fifth package as well as hundreds of loose cards, including ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, making this find even more exceptional.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, recognized for their red-printed career statistics, are considered rare due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series are not uncommon, discovering them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally rare, with similar items commanding high prices on the collector’s market.
This unique collection, consisting of both the unopened packages and the loose cards, is now preparing for auction, attracting significant interest and multiple bids. The upcoming auction not only offers a special opportunity for collectors but also celebrates the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, taking us back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, successfully securing these items for auction marks a noteworthy achievement, shining a spotlight on the enduring allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia gems. Whether the packs will be opened or kept sealed will be up to the winning bidders, but the very existence of these cards in their original state is a triumph for both collectors and historians, paying homage to the legacy of baseball’s past.
