Goldin, the leading collectibles marketplace, announces an exciting collection of Type 1 original photos has come up for auction including a photo of the NBA’s legendary giant Wilt Chamberlain with his fourth grade class at the end of World War II. At just nine years old, Chamberlain already stood nearly six-feet tall and towered over his classmates and teacher. This famous photo was Chamberlain’s personal copy received in 1945 and is one of the most unique basketball pictures to ever hit the auction block.
Goldin’s December Elite Auction also features a valuable Type 1 original photo from Muhammad Ali’s pro debut in 1960. Dazzling his hometown crowd in Louisville, KY, the 18-year old future champion (then known as Cassius Clay) won his first of 56 career victories, while wearing patriotic “USA” trunks from his amateur Olympic days. The beautiful shot reigns as one of only two PSA-certified Type 1 examples in existence.
“We’ve seen tremendous interest in early Type 1 photos from debuts, milestones and even childhood,” said Founder and CEO of Goldin, Ken Goldin. “First it was Jordan, Tyson and Serena who were breaking records with their photo prices. Now it’s time for ‘The Greatest’ and Wilt the Stilt to show what they can do. Seeing them so young in original photos is an incredibly rare sight.”
Additional Type 1 photos available for bidding in the Goldin December Elite auction, include:
- The only known LeBron James rookie debut photo from 2003 where he is warming up before his historic first NBA game at age 18.
- Satchel Paige rookie debut game in 1948 depicting his actual first pitch in his first appearance for the then Cleveland Indians.
- Pelé at the 1958 World Cup Final in Sweden where he’s seen at 17 years old shaking hands with Swedish King Gustaf Adolph.
- Tiger Woods in 1994 on the putting green the same year he graduated high school, just prior to starting college at Stanford. A similar 1994 Woods snapshot recently sold for over $7,500.
- A pre-rookie gem from March 28,1984 where Michael Jordan is 21 years old with an original signature matching his college-era style autograph.
- Michael Jordan in the 1990s floating above three New York Knicks who are frozen in place, watching His Airness in awe.
The photos are currently available for bidding as part of Goldin’s December Elite Auction and will be available for bidding through December 30, 2023.
About Goldin
Goldin is the leading marketplace for trading cards, collectibles and memorabilia. Founder Ken Goldin has sold more than $1.5 billion in memorabilia from many of the biggest names in sports, history, and pop culture. The company routinely sets records for the most expensive trading cards and other memorabilia ever sold. Lifelong collectors and new hobbyists alike trust Goldin because the company professionally authenticates everything it sells. Goldin is the official auction partner of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Learn more at Goldin.co, and on Twitter and Instagram.
