In an exciting turn of events for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has emerged from the past. These cards, still encased in their original brown packaging, represent a significant find within the hobby, especially considering their untouched state. The discovery was made public through a social media post showcasing a vintage arcade machine, reminiscent of those that once dispensed these cards.
The news of this rare find spread quickly, capturing the attention of collectors, historians, and fans of baseball alike. Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment upon learning of the find from a contact on the east coast. The contact had connections to the arcade business and had acquired the cards from Mike Munves in New York, a 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, confirmed their authenticity and historical value.
Mendel, representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, wasted no time arranging for the consignment of these treasures. The unopened bricks, which likely contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, are expected to fetch thousands of dollars each given their pristine, uncirculated condition. Adding to the excitement, the haul also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, among them ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, making this find even more extraordinary.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, known for their career statistics printed in red, are a rarity within the collector community due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series aren’t uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally rare, with similar items fetching high prices on the collector’s market.
This collection, including both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is set for auction, which has already stirred up significant interest and numerous bids. The anticipation surrounding the auction is palpable, as collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to acquire these rare pieces of history. This auction not only presents a unique chance for collectors to add to their treasured possessions but also celebrates the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, harkening back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction represents a significant achievement, showcasing their expertise and highlighting the ongoing allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia gems. The buzz that this collection has generated proves that the passion for collecting goes beyond simply owning an item. It is a celebration of the legacy of baseball and the history that surrounds it.
Whether these packs will be opened or kept sealed remains a decision for the winning bidders, but the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a win for collectors and historians alike. It provides an opportunity to appreciate and preserve a piece of baseball’s past, allowing future generations to marvel at the players, the statistics, and the sheer joy of collecting these vintage baseball cards. The emergence of these unopened 1963 Exhibit baseball cards serves as a reminder that treasures can still be found, waiting patiently to be discovered and cherished by those who appreciate the history and nostalgia they represent.
