At a recent auction hosted by Goldin Co., a vintage sports memorabilia powerhouse, an original 1965 Type 1 photo of Joe Namath fetched an astonishing $197,640. This particular photo holds significant historical importance, as it was used to create Namath’s iconic rookie card, making it one of the most sought-after football collectibles in the market. The record-breaking sale not only set a new benchmark for Type 1 football photos but also highlighted the enduring allure of Namath’s legacy in the world of sports memorabilia.
The November Elite Auction at Goldin Co. featured several other notable items that garnered attention from collectors:
– A dual-signed Type 1 photo from 1967 featuring Muhammad Ali and Wilt Chamberlain, capturing the two sports legends during a promotional appearance for the “Wide World of Sports” fight, sold for an impressive $17,080.
– A Type 1 photo from Michael Jordan’s rookie year in 1984-85, signed by the basketball superstar, fetched the same price of $17,080.
– A rare 1994 Type 1 photo of Tiger Woods, marking the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner, was sold for $7,595.
Additionally, the auction presented other remarkable Type 1 photos that caught the attention of collectors:
– A Type 1 photo from 1988 by the New York Times, commemorating Michael Jordan’s first-time achievement of scoring back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history, achieved a remarkable sale price of $6,100.
– A 1983 Type 1 photo capturing the infamous “Pine Tar Game” featuring George Brett, showing him being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire after his bat was deemed illegal, fetched $4,574.
– A 1985 Type 1 photo from a Sports Illustrated shoot of a young Mike Tyson training under the guidance of his legendary trainer Cus D’Amato in his Catskills gym, was auctioned off for $3,660.
The notable sales achieved at the Goldin Co. auction emphasize the rich history and ongoing fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. These items serve as a tangible way to relive iconic moments and celebrate the achievements of legendary figures throughout various eras in sports.
Collectors and enthusiasts understand the unique value that vintage sports memorabilia holds, especially when it comes to rare and historically significant items like Joe Namath’s rookie card photo. As the market continues to thrive, these auctions offer a platform for passionate collectors to compete and acquire prized possessions that contribute to the preservation of sporting history.
In conclusion, the recent sale of Joe Namath’s 1965 rookie card photo at the Goldin Co. auction not only set a new record for Type 1 football photos but also showcased the enduring fascination with vintage sports memorabilia. The remarkable prices achieved for other notable items further underscored the ongoing allure of collecting items that capture significant moments and figures in the world of sports.
