A rare 1984 Type 1 Original Photo of Michael Jordan from his first NBA game just set a record for the most expensive Jordan photo ever sold. The PSA-certified Type 1 photo, brokered in a private sale by leading collectible marketplace Goldin, was bought for $175,000.
The photograph features Jordan during his pro debut at Chicago Stadium on Oct. 26, 1984, where he posted 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in a 109-93 win over the Washington Bullets. The image shows the future six-time NBA Champion driving to the hoop in iconic Jordan fashion with his tongue out and wearing his earliest Nike sneakers.
“Michael Jordan Type I photos are one of the hottest sectors on the auction block today,” said Khyber Oser, Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin. “Only three Type I examples from MJ’s debut game have ever surfaced publicly—and this is the best one by far. I’m excited to see what such a landmark sale means for all Type 1 photo collectors, whether you collect Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali or Babe Ruth.”
The record price did not surprise Henry Yee, Principal Authenticator of PSA Photo Authentication Services. “True original Type I photos are still extremely undervalued when compared to other segments of the hobby,“ Yee said. “This rare Jordan debut photo from the newspaper Chicago Sun-Times was never issued to the public. It was simply used for its practical purpose in the newsroom to tell a story. Compare that to a six-figure Jordan debut ticket stub in which all 13,000 fans in the building received one. In time I am very confident that the buyer made a shrewd purchase from Ken Goldin and his company.”
Goldin has built a reputation as the trusted leader in trading cards, memorabilia and collectibles. The Goldin marketplace is a top destination for vintage photography and is always actively accepting consignments for future auctions. To inquire about consigning sports photography or other items, email sell@goldin.co.
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.com, and on Twitter and Instagram.
