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.
In addition to the Namath photo, the auction at Goldin Co. featured several other notable items that attracted attention from sports memorabilia enthusiasts:
– 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 unique piece of memorabilia highlights the crossover appeal of two legendary athletes in different sports.
– A Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo garnered the same price of $17,080. Jordan’s rookie year is widely regarded as the beginning of his iconic basketball career, making this photo a coveted piece for collectors.
– A 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, marking the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner, went for $7,595. This photo captures a significant milestone in Woods’ early career, showcasing the immense talent that would propel him to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Among the other remarkable Type 1 photos in the auction, there were several that showcased iconic moments and figures from various sports eras:
– 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, sold for $6,100. This photo captures a historic achievement in Jordan’s basketball career and serves as a testament to his dominance on the court.
– A rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo, which depicts Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat, fetched $4,574. This photo immortalizes a controversial moment in baseball history, adding to its appeal among collectors.
– A 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo, capturing Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym, was auctioned for $3,660. This photo showcases a young Tyson during his rise to boxing stardom, capturing the intensity and determination that defined his early career.
The sales at Goldin Co. not only bring attention to the significant value placed on sports photography and memorabilia but also highlight the rich history and enduring fascination with these items. Collectors and fans continue to be drawn to these artifacts that capture defining moments and iconic figures from various sports eras. The allure and demand for such pieces only continue to grow as the legacy of athletes like Joe Namath, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, George Brett, and Mike Tyson remains deeply ingrained in the collective memory of sports fans.
