At a recent Goldin Co. auction, a 1965 Original Type 1 Photo of Joe Namath, famously used for his iconic rookie card, fetched an impressive $197,640. This sale not only set a new record for Type 1 football photos but also spotlighted the enduring allure of Namath’s legacy in sports memorabilia.
The 1965 photo, integral to the creation of the Topps Namath rookie card, stands as one of the most sought-after football cards in the collecting world. Its high sale price at the November Elite Auction underscores its significant value in the realm of sports collectibles.
Aside from Namath’s photo, the auction at Goldin Co. also featured several other notable items. One of them was a 1967 Muhammad Ali/Wilt Chamberlain dual-signed Type 1 photo, capturing the two sports legends during a promotional appearance for the “Wide World of Sports” fight, which was sold for $17,080.
Another highlight of the auction was a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo, which garnered the same price of $17,080. The photo showcases the early days of Jordan’s career, making it a prized piece for basketball enthusiasts and collectors.
Additionally, a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, marking the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner, went for $7,595. This photo holds significance in Tiger Woods’ journey and resonates with fans of the golfing world.
Among other remarkable Type 1 photos in the auction, a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo by the New York Times caught the attention of bidders. The photo commemorates the first time Jordan scored back-to-back 50-point games in NBA playoff history, ultimately selling for $6,100.
Notably, a rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo sparked interest among collectors. The photo depicts Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat, and it fetched an impressive $4,574.
Furthermore, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo was also featured in the auction. This captivating image captures Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, and it was auctioned for $3,660.
These sales at Goldin Co. not only highlight the rich history of sports photography and memorabilia but also showcase the enduring fascination with moments and figures that have defined various sports eras. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to invest in these treasured items, preserving the legacies of iconic athletes like Namath, Ali, Jordan, Woods, Brett, and Tyson.
The auction at Goldin Co. serves as a reminder of the profound impact that sports icons have on popular culture and the value that fans and collectors place on preserving these significant moments in history. As interest in sports memorabilia remains strong, it is likely that auctions will continue to bring forth record-breaking sales and captivate the attention of enthusiasts worldwide.
