At a recent Goldin Co. auction, sports fans and collectors witnessed a historic moment as the iconic 1965 Original Type 1 Photo of Joe Namath fetched an impressive $197,640. Not only did this sale set a new record for Type 1 football photos, but it also highlighted the enduring allure of Namath’s legacy in the realm of sports memorabilia.
The 1965 photo, which played a pivotal role in the creation of Namath’s highly sought-after Topps rookie card, stands as one of the most coveted football cards in the collecting world. Its high sale price at the November Elite Auction held by Goldin Co. underscores its significant value and the admiration Namath continues to garner in the realm of sports collectibles.
In addition to the record-breaking sale of Namath’s rookie card photo, the Goldin Co. auction featured several other notable items that caught the attention of passionate collectors. One of these items 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. This unique piece of memorabilia fetched an impressive price of $17,080, adding to the allure of owning a piece of history associated with these iconic athletes.
Another item that garnered equal attention was a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo, which secured the same selling price of $17,080. Jordan’s rookie card is already highly sought-after, and owning a signed photo from his debut season further solidifies the collectible’s status among avid fans and collectors.
The auction also featured a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, taken the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. This special moment in Woods’ career attracted a bid of $7,595, demonstrating the enduring appeal and fascination surrounding one of golf’s greatest players.
Among the other remarkable Type 1 photos up for auction were some that showcased iconic moments and players from various sports. For instance, a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo, captured by the renowned New York Times, commemorated the first time Jordan scored back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history. This remarkable piece of basketball history sold for an impressive $6,100, emphasizing the value placed on photographic evidence of such significant moments.
In addition, a rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo, which depicted Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his allegedly illegal bat, fetched $4,574. This photo serves as a reminder of one of the most controversial moments in baseball history, forever etched in the memories of fans and collectors alike.
Lastly, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo, captured Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, was auctioned for $3,660. This photo encapsulates a pivotal moment in Tyson’s career and offers a glimpse into the early days of a boxing legend.
The sales at Goldin Co. not only set records and attracted significant attention but also shed light on the rich history and enduring fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. Such auctions provide an opportunity for sports enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of history, connecting them to iconic moments and figures that have defined various sports eras.
