At a recent auction hosted by Goldin Co., a vintage 1965 Original Type 1 Photo of Joe Namath, which played a pivotal role in the creation of his iconic rookie card, fetched an impressive and record-breaking sale price of $197,640. This sale not only set a new benchmark for Type 1 football photos but also highlights the lasting legacy and allure of Joe Namath’s sports memorabilia.
The 1965 photograph, which served as the foundation for the highly sought-after Topps Namath rookie card, is regarded as one of the most coveted football cards in the world of collecting. Its remarkable sale price at the November Elite Auction stands as a testament to its significant value within the realm of sports collectibles.
In addition to Joe Namath’s photo, several other notable items were also featured at the Goldin Co. auction. Among them was a rare 1967 Muhammad Ali/Wilt Chamberlain dual-signed Type 1 photo, capturing the two sporting legends during a promotional appearance for the “Wide World of Sports” fight. This unique piece of memorabilia sold for an impressive $17,080.
Another item that commanded the same sale price as the Ali/Chamberlain photo was a Type 1 photo of Michael Jordan from his 1984-85 rookie year, which the basketball superstar also signed. This piece of memorabilia showcases the early moments of Jordan’s illustrious career and remains highly valued in the collecting world.
Additionally, a 1994 Type 1 photo of Tiger Woods, commemorating his high school graduation and his status as the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship winner, sold for $7,595, further exemplifying the enduring appeal of sports memorabilia.
The auction at Goldin Co. featured other remarkable Type 1 photos as well. A 1988 Playoffs Type 1 photo of Michael Jordan by The New York Times, which commemorates the first time Jordan scored back-to-back 50-point games in NBA playoff history, was sold for $6,100. This photograph captures a historic moment in Jordan’s career and showcases the talents that made him a basketball legend.
Another notable sale was a rare 1983 Type 1 photo from the “Pine Tar Game” featuring George Brett. The photograph depicts Brett being restrained from attacking the home-plate umpire after his bat was deemed illegal due to excessive pine tar. This piece of sports history fetched an impressive $4,574 at the auction, underscoring the value collectors place on capturing iconic and controversial moments.
Furthermore, a 1985 Type 1 photo from a Sports Illustrated shoot featuring a young Mike Tyson in trainer Cus D’Amato’s Catskills gym went for $3,660. This photograph captures Tyson during his early days and serves as a reminder of his rise in the world of boxing.
The sales at Goldin Co.’s auction not only highlight the rich history encapsulated in sports photography and memorabilia but also demonstrate the enduring fascination that collectors have with capturing and preserving iconic moments and figures from various sports eras. The high prices paid for these items serve as a testament to the importance and value attached to these timeless pieces of sports history.
In conclusion, the recent sale of Joe Namath’s 1965 Rookie Card Photo at the Goldin Co. auction exemplifies the continued allure and significance of sports memorabilia in the eyes of collectors. The record-breaking price fetched for this iconic piece, along with the other notable sales at the auction, only further proves the enduring fascination with capturing and preserving the moments and figures that have defined the world of sports.
