Rare Rookie Photos and Early Shots of Sports Legends Up for Sale at Goldin

Goldin, the leading collectibles marketplace, announces a collection of rare, original “Type 1” photos from some of the greatest sports legends of all-time are up for sale at its October Elite Auction. 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.

“It’s a thrilling time for long-time Type 1 photo collectors and for new collectors entering the Type 1 space,” said Khyber Oser, Director of Vintage Memorabilia and Photography at Goldin. “These early, debut and rookie photos all have important stories to tell, and they bring the same nostalgic excitement to Type 1 collectors that rookie cards do for card collectors. Also two highlight photos in this auction have the added bonus of Jordan’s signature—including the earliest known Jordan signed Type 1 photo.”

Type 1 photos available for bidding in the Goldin October Elite auction, include:

  • A coveted Type 1 Original Photo capturing Mike Tyson’s 1981 Junior Olympics Amateur Debut, his first and only known amateur fight Type 1. The photo consists of an intimidating shot of 15-year-old Tyson, otherwise known as Kid Dynamite, wearing his gold medal.

  • 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. A similar example ignited significant interest in July and sold for $52,800.

  • 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.

  • A 1990 Type 1 photo that foreshadows the competitive spirit of Serena and Venus Williams as it portrays the sisters engaged in a chess match at ages 8 and 10 in their Compton home.

  • An extraordinary 1990 Type 1 photo of Venus Williams training with her father, Richard Williams, which is the only known Williams sister action shot from their childhood.

  • 1979-80 Wayne Gretzky and a 1979 Larry Bird Type 1 Photos, both capturing the essence of their rookie years. These exclusive pieces not only showcase the formative years of the Great One and Larry Legend but stand as a vibrant homage to the long-lasting impact both icons had on their respective sports.

The photos are currently available for bidding as part of Goldin’s October Elite Auction and will be available for bidding through October 28, 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.com, and on Twitter and Instagram.

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