In a thrilling turn of events for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, a remarkable collection of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently surfaced. These cards, still encased in their original brown packaging, signify a remarkable discovery within the hobby, particularly due to their untouched condition. The revelation of these sealed packages, complete with Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, has confirmed their authenticity and historical significance.
Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed sheer astonishment upon learning about the discovery 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 unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could be worth thousands each given their pristine, uncirculated state. Adding to the marvel, the collection also included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards featuring ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and several other baseball legends, amplifying the excitement surrounding this extraordinary find.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, recognized for their career statistics printed in red, are exceedingly 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 extremely uncommon, with comparable items commanding high prices in the collector’s market.
This exceptional collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and the loose cards, has been scheduled for auction and has already attracted significant interest and bidding. The auction not only offers a unique opportunity for collectors but also celebrates the history and nostalgia associated with 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, securing these items for auction is a noteworthy accomplishment, shining a light on the ongoing allure and thrill of uncovering sports memorabilia treasures. Whether the packs will be opened by their new owners or preserved in their sealed state, remains a decision for the winning bidders. However, the mere existence of these cards in their original condition is a victory for collectors and historians alike, paying homage to the enduring legacy of baseball’s past.
