In a thrilling development for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a cache of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently come to light. What makes this discovery truly exceptional is that these cards have remained sealed in their original brown packaging, untouched for over half a century. The announcement of this find was made through a social media post showcasing a vintage arcade machine similar to those that once dispensed these cards.
Upon learning of the find through a contact on the east coast, Bill Mendel, a well-known figure in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment. The contact had connections to the arcade business and had acquired the cards from Mike Munves, a respected distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s in New York. The authenticity and historical value of these sealed packages were confirmed by the Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address printed on them.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, Mendel promptly arranged for the consignment of these invaluable treasures. The unopened bricks, which are likely to contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, are expected to fetch a fortune given their pristine, uncirculated condition. The collection also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, among which were ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and various other baseball legends, making this find all the more remarkable.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, distinguished by their career statistics printed in red, are highly sought after due to their size and quality. While individual cards from this era and series are not uncommon, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceedingly rare. Similar items have sold for exorbitant prices on the collector’s market, attesting to their immense value.
This extraordinary collection, consisting of both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, is scheduled to be auctioned off and has already generated considerable interest and numerous bids. This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire these prized items and also serves as a celebration of the history and nostalgia surrounding baseball card collecting. It harkens back to a bygone era when obtaining a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine and being rewarded with a piece of baseball history.
For Bill Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, the successful acquisition of these items for auction is a significant accomplishment, highlighting the enduring allure and excitement of unearthing hidden sports memorabilia gems. Whether the winning bidders choose to open these packs or keep them sealed, the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a triumph for collectors and historians, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of baseball’s past.
