Goldin, the leading collectibles marketplace, announces three record-breaking sales from its October Elite Legends Auction, including a super-rare 1979-1980 Wayne Gretzky Rookie Type I Original Photo that sold for $43,920—nearly four times the last Gretzky Type I rookie which sold for $11,400 in September.
The surging interest in Type 1 authentic photography, first-generation prints made from the original negatives, is now reaching record-levels of enthusiasm across the industry. These photographs are widely regarded as the most valuable and sought-after category in sports photography due to their historical significance and the way they were produced.
Goldin’s October Elite Legends Auction also included a Type 1 Original Photo of a pre-rookie Serena and Venus Williams engaged in a chess match at ages 8 and 10 which sold for an all-time high of $10,370. The exceedingly rare photo shows the girls playing in their Compton home and foreshadows the competitive spirit of the Williams sisters.
Finally, the auction closed with another all-time high — the only known Mike Tyson amateur Type I original photo, which captured him at the 1981 Junior Olympics four years prior to the start of his career. The photo consists of an intimidating shot of 15-year-old Tyson, otherwise known as Kid Dynamite, wearing his gold medal, and sold for $20,740.
Other Type 1 photos from the Goldin October Elite auction included:
- A 1986-87 Michael Jordan Signed Type 1 photo that has garnered outstanding attention as it is one of only two known versions of the photo that exists today. It portrays Jordan making an appearance at a Charlotte sporting goods store right around the time of his third NBA season in 1986-87 and sold for $19,200.
- 1984 Michael Jordan UNC Signed Type 1 photo, the earliest known Jordan-signed Type 1 ever to hit the market. This photo epitomizes Jordan’s college basketball dominance, as it was shot during his momentous win of the prestigious Eastman Award for College Player of the Year. The photo sold for $7,930.
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.
