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.
Apart from the Namath photo, the Goldin auction featured several other notable items that sold for impressive prices. 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. Meanwhile, a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo also garnered the same price of $17,080.
Another highlight was a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, marking the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. This photo went for $7,595, showcasing the growing demand for memorabilia associated with one of golf’s greatest players.
In addition to these noteworthy sales, the auction featured several other remarkable Type 1 photos that attracted bidders’ attention. One such item was a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo by the New York Times, commemorating the first time Jordan scored back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history. This iconic photo fetched $6,100, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Jordan’s legacy in the world of sports collectibles.
Another significant sale was a rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo. The image captured Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat, and it fetched a price of $4,574. This photo represents a captivating moment in baseball history and holds immense appeal for collectors of sports memorabilia.
Furthermore, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo was also auctioned for an impressive $3,660. Capturing Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, this photo offers fans a glimpse into the early years of one of the most dominant heavyweight boxers in history.
These sales at Goldin Co. highlight the rich history and enduring fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. Each item signifies a moment or figure that has left an indelible mark on its respective sport. From Namath’s iconic rookie card photo to rare snapshots of legends like Ali, Chamberlain, Jordan, and Tyson, these photographs capture the essence of sports and continue to captivate collectors and fans alike. The impressive prices achieved at the auction serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of these extraordinary moments frozen in time.
