At a recent Goldin Co. auction, sports collectors and enthusiasts witnessed a historic moment as a 1965 Original Type 1 Photo of Joe Namath, famously used for his iconic rookie card, fetched an impressive price of $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 world of sports memorabilia.
The 1965 photo holds significant importance as it played a crucial role in the creation of Namath’s highly sought-after Topps rookie card. In the realm of sports collectibles, the Namath rookie card is regarded as one of the most coveted football cards. The high sale price at the November Elite Auction further emphasizes its tremendous value.
While the spotlight was on Namath’s rookie card photo, the auction at Goldin Co. featured several other notable items that captivated the bidders.
One of these items was a 1967 Muhammad Ali/Wilt Chamberlain dual-signed Type 1 photo. This remarkable photo captured the two sports legends during a promotional appearance for the “Wide World of Sports” fight and sold for an impressive $17,080.
Another item that fetched the same price was a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo. This photo, capturing Jordan in his early days of stardom, appealed to collectors who highly value the legendary basketball player.
Tiger Woods, whose meteoric rise in the world of golf captivated audiences, was also represented in the auction. A 1994 Type 1 photo marking the year Woods graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner went for $7,595, highlighting the significance of his early achievements.
In addition to these remarkable pieces, there were other fascinating Type 1 photos available for bidding. Among them was a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo by the New York Times. This photo commemorates the first time Jordan scored back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history and was sold for $6,100, adding to the allure of capturing his extraordinary performances.
Another notable Type 1 photo was the rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” photo. This image, depicting Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat, fetched an impressive sum of $4,574, highlighting the iconic and controversial moment in baseball history.
The auction also featured a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo, capturing Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym. This photo, which showcased the young Tyson’s dedication and talent, went for $3,660, providing a glimpse into the early days of the legendary boxer’s career.
The successful 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 rare artifacts, honoring the legacies of iconic athletes like Namath, Ali, Chamberlain, Jordan, Woods, Brett, and Tyson.
As these valuable sports collectibles change hands, they preserve the memories and impact of historic moments, capturing the essence of the athletes who have left an indelible mark on their respective sports. The auction at Goldin Co. serves as a reminder of the profound connection between sports enthusiasts and the tangible pieces of history that immortalize their favorite athletes.
