At a recent Goldin Co. auction, the 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.
Apart from the Namath photo, the Goldin Co. auction featured several other notable items that garnered substantial attention from collectors. 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. Additionally, a Michael Jordan 1984-85 rookie year signed Type 1 photo fetched the same price of $17,080.
One of the standout items from the auction was a 1994 Tiger Woods Type 1 photo, commemorating the year he graduated high school and became the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner. This photo sold for $7,595, further emphasizing the allure of sports photography and memorabilia.
Among the other remarkable Type 1 photos in the auction were a Michael Jordan 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo by the New York Times, which commemorated the first time Jordan scored back-to-back 50 point games in NBA playoff history, and was sold for $6,100. Another highlight 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 photo fetched $4,574. Lastly, 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.
These sales at Goldin Co. highlight the rich history and enduring fascination with sports photography and memorabilia. Each photograph showcases moments and figures that have defined various sports eras, appealing to both passionate collectors and avid fans. The record-breaking sale of Joe Namath’s 1965 rookie card photo exemplifies the undeniable allure and value of capturing iconic athletes in these unique and influential moments.
