At a recent auction held by Goldin Co., 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 it also highlighted the enduring allure of Namath’s legacy in the world of sports memorabilia.
The 1965 photo holds great significance as it played an integral role in the creation of the highly sought-after Topps Namath rookie card. Its high sale price at the November Elite Auction serves as a testament to its significant value in the realm of sports collectibles.
The Goldin auction featured several other notable items, further adding to the excitement of the event. 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 an impressive $17,080. Similarly, a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo also fetched the same price of $17,080, showcasing the enduring popularity of basketball memorabilia.
Another standout piece in the auction was a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, commemorating the year he graduated from high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. This photo sold for $7,595, further demonstrating the interest in capturing iconic moments in sports history.
Among the other remarkable Type 1 photos available for auction at Goldin Co., a particularly notable sale was a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo taken by the New York Times. This photo commemorated Jordan’s historic achievement of scoring back-to-back 50-point games in NBA playoff history and sold for $6,100. Another notable item was a rare 1983 George Brett “Pine Tar Game” Type 1 photo, depicting Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire with his deemed illegal bat. This unique piece fetched a price of $4,574, highlighting the fascination with iconic moments that have become part of sports history.
Additionally, a 1985 Mike Tyson Sports Illustrated Shoot Type 1 photo captured Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym and was auctioned for $3,660. This photo serves as a reminder of Tyson’s influential presence in boxing during that era.
The sales at Goldin Co. not only showcased the rich history of sports photography and memorabilia but also emphasized the enduring fascination with capturing and preserving the defining moments and figures that have shaped various sports eras. From the iconic rookie card photo of Joe Namath to the captivating images of legendary athletes like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Mike Tyson, these items continue to captivate collectors and fans alike, highlighting the enduring legacy of these sports icons.
