In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a remarkable collection of unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently come to light. With approximately 2,000 cards still encased in their original brown packaging, this find holds immense significance within the hobby. The excitement surrounding this discovery was shared through a social media post featuring a vintage arcade machine resembling the ones that once dispensed these cards.
The news of this incredible find reached Bill Mendel, a respected professional in the sports memorabilia industry. Mendel, who had connections to the arcade business, was astonished when he learned about the cards from his contact on the east coast. Acquired from Mike Munves, a well-known distributor and repairer of arcade machines in New York during the 1950s and 60s, these sealed packages bear Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, confirming their authenticity and historical value.
Mendel, representing Memorabilia Experts, wasted no time in arranging for the consignment of these treasures. Each unopened brick is likely to contain multiple complete sets of the sought-after 64-card series. Considering their pristine condition and uncirculated state, these gems could fetch thousands of dollars each. Remarkably, the collection also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, which featured noteworthy players such as ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends. This find is truly extraordinary in every way.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, known for displaying player career statistics in red, are already considered rare due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series can still be found, stumbling upon them in unopened vending packages is a rarity in itself. Similar items have commanded high prices on the collector’s market, adding even more allure and excitement to this extraordinary collection.
The upcoming auction for this collection, encompassing both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, has already generated significant interest and numerous bids. Beyond providing a thrilling opportunity for collectors, this auction also serves as a celebration of the history and nostalgia associated with baseball card collecting. It harkens back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a vending machine and eagerly awaiting the result.
For Bill Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, successfully securing these items for auction represents a noteworthy achievement. It highlights the ongoing fascination and excitement that surrounds the discovery of sports memorabilia gems. Whether the winning bidders choose to open the packages or keep them sealed, the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a significant win for collectors and historians alike. It is a momentous occasion that embraces and celebrates the enduring legacy of baseball’s past.