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. Still encased in their original brown packaging, these cards 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.
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.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, Mendel quickly arranged for the consignment of these treasures. The unopened bricks, likely containing multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could be worth thousands each given their pristine, uncirculated condition. 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 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 and has already attracted significant interest and bids. The auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire these rare gems and celebrate the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting. It harkens back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine and wondering what player’s career statistics would be revealed.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction represents a significant achievement. It highlights the ongoing allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia treasures. Whether these packs will be opened or kept sealed remains a decision for the winning bidders. However, the mere existence of these cards in their original state is a win for collectors, historians, and baseball enthusiasts, celebrating and preserving the legacy of baseball’s past.
In conclusion, the emergence of the unopened 1963 Exhibit baseball cards is a rare and significant find within the sports memorabilia community. The pristine condition and historical value of these cards have garnered significant interest and bids at auction. Collectors and enthusiasts have the opportunity to acquire these rare gems and celebrate the nostalgia and history of baseball card collecting. The find also showcases the ongoing allure and excitement of discovering sports memorabilia treasures. Whether they are opened or kept sealed, these unopened cards preserve the legacy of baseball and its legendary players from the past.
