At a recent Goldin Co. auction, collectors and sports enthusiasts witnessed a remarkable event as a 1965 Original Type 1 Photo of Joe Namath, famously used for his iconic rookie card, sold for 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, which played an integral role in 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, cementing Namath’s status as an iconic figure in football history.
While the highlight of the auction was undeniably the Joe Namath photo, several other notable items fetched impressive prices as well. 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, was sold for $17,080. This photo serves as a remarkable testament to the greatness of both Ali and Chamberlain.
Another standout piece was a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo, which also commanded a price of $17,080. Jordan’s rookie card is already highly coveted by collectors, and this signed photo further adds to the allure of his early career memorabilia.
The auction also featured a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, capturing the moment when he graduated from high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. This photo, which symbolizes the beginning of Woods’ illustrious career, sold for $7,595, illustrating the continued fascination with his achievements in golf.
Among the other remarkable Type 1 photos in the auction, a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo taken by the New York Times caught the attention of bidders. This photo commemorates the historic moment when Jordan scored back-to-back 50-point games in NBA playoff history. It fetched a price of $6,100, highlighting the enduring popularity of Jordan’s accomplishments on the court.
A rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo also attracted attention during the auction. This photo captures the intense moment when Brett was being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire after his bat was deemed illegal due to excessive pine tar. It sold for $4,574, reminding collectors of the colorful and controversial events that have shaped baseball history.
Lastly, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo provided a glimpse into the early years of the boxing legend’s career. Taken in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, the photo fetched a price of $3,660, showcasing the enduring fascination with Tyson’s rise to greatness in the sport.
These exceptional sales at Goldin Co. not only highlight the rich history of sports photography but also showcase the enduring fascination with iconic moments and figures that have defined various sports eras. The prices these photos commanded demonstrate the passion collectors have for preserving and celebrating the legacies of beloved athletes across different sports disciplines.