A rare 1951 Type 1 original photograph from Willie Mays’ rookie debut game at age 20 is up for auction at Goldin ending June 29, 2024. This historically significant photo depicts Mays with his hands in his back pockets as he receives advice from veteran Leo Durocher. Vintage rookie debuts are incredibly rare, with a Jackie Robinson example selling for $100,000 over two decades ago. Bid, view and register for the auction at goldin.co.
Goldin’s June Elite Auction also offers a vast collection of other rare baseball Type 1 photos, including the earliest-known Roberto Clemente color Type 1 photo from 1963 and signed by the star player. Of all the Type 1’s of top-tier Hall of Famers who played in the 1950s-60s, Clemente photos stand as the scarcest, making this example extremely valuable.
This month, collectors also have the opportunity to own some of the most iconic original photos of Michael Jordan – whose own rookie debut set a record with Goldin last year at $225,000. The collection includes Jordan at his first contract press conference in 1984 from the Chicago Sun-Times, as well as when he made his gravity-defying, hand-switching lay-up in his first NBA Finals in 1991. The auction is also offering one of basketball’s immortal images of Jordan, shrugging on the court in 1992 after draining his Finals-record sixth three-pointer in the first half.
Type 1 photographs are capturing the attention of collectors across the Hobby. These first-generation prints made from the original negatives have soared in popularity in recent years, becoming increasingly valuable among collectors. Type 1 photos in Goldin’s June Elite Auction auction will be available for bidding through Saturday, June 29.
About Goldin:
Goldin is the leading marketplace for trading cards, sports memorabilia and other collectibles. 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, The Jackie Robinson Foundation and the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. For more information, visit Goldin.co. Learn more at goldin.co, on Twitter and Instagram.
