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 is integral to the creation of the Topps Namath rookie card, which 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.
Alongside the legendary Namath photo, the Goldin Co. auction featured several other notable items that caught the attention of collectors.
One such item was a 1967 Muhammad Ali/Wilt Chamberlain dual-signed Type 1 photo. The photo captured the two sports legends during a promotional appearance for the “Wide World of Sports” fight. This piece of history was sold for $17,080, showcasing the enduring appeal of iconic sports figures.
Michael Jordan’s 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo also garnered the same price of $17,080. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan’s collectibles continue to hold immense value in the market.
Another standout piece in the auction was a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo. This photo marked the year Woods graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. It fetched an impressive $7,595, highlighting the significance of Woods’ early success in the world of golf.
In addition to these remarkable sales, other sports memorabilia also caught the attention of collectors at the Goldin Co. auction. These included 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 photo sold for $6,100, showcasing the lasting impact of Jordan’s achievements on the basketball court.
Another notable item was a rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo. This photo depicted Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat. It fetched $4,574, reminding collectors of the intense moments that have become part of baseball lore.
Lastly, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo garnered considerable attention. Capturing Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, this photo was sold for $3,660. It serves as a testament to Tyson’s iconic status in the world of boxing.
These sales at Goldin Co. continue to highlight the rich history and enduring fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. Each item represents a moment or figure that has defined various sports eras, captivating collectors with their significance and nostalgia. The extraordinary sale of Joe Namath’s 1965 Rookie Card Photo showcases the timeless appeal of iconic sports memorabilia, proving its worth in the world of collectibles.