At a recent Goldin Co. auction, sports collectors and enthusiasts witnessed a remarkable sale that highlighted the enduring legacy of Joe Namath in the world of sports memorabilia. A 1965 Original Type 1 Photo of Namath, famously used for his iconic rookie card, fetched an impressive $197,640, setting a new record for Type 1 football photos.
The 1965 photo holds a significant place in sports collecting history, as it played a pivotal role in the creation of the highly sought-after Topps Namath rookie card. The high sale price at the November Elite Auction at Goldin Co. emphasizes the tremendous value that collectors place on this piece of sports history.
While Namath’s rookie card has long been a prized possession for collectors, this auction also showcased other notable items. A 1967 Muhammad Ali/Wilt Chamberlain dual-signed Type 1 photo, capturing two of the greatest sports legends during a promotional appearance, sold for $17,080. Similarly, a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo also garnered the same price, highlighting the continued demand for items related to basketball’s greatest player.
The auction also featured a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, which marked the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. This piece of golf history garnered a final bid of $7,595, showcasing the enduring allure of Woods’ early career.
In addition to these notable sales, several other Type 1 photos caught the attention of collectors. A 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo of Michael Jordan by the New York Times, capturing the moment he scored back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history, sold for $6,100. Another rare find was a 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo, which depicted Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat, fetching a final bid of $4,574. Lastly, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo, taken in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, was auctioned for $3,660.
These sales at Goldin Co. serve as a reminder of the rich history and enduring fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. Each item echoes moments and figures that have defined various sports eras, capturing the imaginations of collectors and fans alike. The allure of owning a piece of history is a driving force behind the continued demand and high prices these items command.
As the auction came to a close, collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await future opportunities to add to their collections, hoping to capture a piece of sports history that holds personal significance or showcases a moment that will forever be ingrained in the annals of sports lore.