At a recent Goldin Co. auction, sports collectors and enthusiasts witnessed a record-breaking sale of Joe Namath’s 1965 Original Type 1 Photo, famously used for his iconic rookie card. With a final bid of $197,640, this sale not only set a new record for Type 1 football photos but also shed light on the lasting allure of Namath’s legacy in the world of sports memorabilia.
The 1965 photo, which played a significant role in the creation of the highly sought-after Topps Namath rookie card, stands as one of the most coveted football collectibles in the world. Its remarkable sale price at the November Elite Auction serves as a testament to its extraordinary value in the realm of sports memorabilia.
While Namath’s photo stole the spotlight, the Goldin Co. auction featured several other notable items that captivated bidders’ attention:
– A 1967 Muhammad Ali and Wilt Chamberlain dual-signed Type 1 photo, showcasing the two legends during a promotional appearance for the “Wide World of Sports” fight, was successfully sold for $17,080. The combination of these two iconic figures in one photograph undoubtedly added to its appeal.
– A Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo also fetched an impressive $17,080. Jordan’s enduring legacy and dominance in the basketball world make his autographed memorabilia highly coveted by collectors.
– A 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, capturing the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner, sold for $7,595. Woods’ meteoric rise in the world of golf has made him a legendary figure, and his early memorabilia carries significant historical value.
The Goldin Co. auction also featured other remarkable Type 1 photos that garnered attention from collectors:
– A Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo by the New York Times commemorating his back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history, went for $6,100. This rare snapshot captures an iconic moment in Jordan’s career and showcases his unmatched skill on the basketball court.
– A rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo, depicting Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his allegedly illegal bat, fetched $4,574. This historic image preserves a controversial incident that remains etched in baseball lore.
– A 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo, capturing Tyson’s intense training in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, was auctioned for $3,660. The photo showcases Tyson’s raw power and dedication, making it a valuable piece of boxing history.
These exceptional sales at Goldin Co. exemplify the deep-rooted history and enduring fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. They offer collectors and fans the opportunity to own a piece of sports history, encapsulating iconic moments and revered figures that have defined various sports eras.