Goldin to Auction Rare Signed Michael Jordan Photo
The signed Type 1 Original Photo captures the basketball legend during his iconic 1980s slam dunk contest performances.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Basketball
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Goldin is set to auction a PSA-certified Type 1 Original Photo of Michael Jordan as part of its Fall Photography Auction. Captured by Bill Smith, the signed image features Jordan dunking during the 1987 and 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contests.
Why it matters
The auction provides collectors a chance to acquire a rare, authenticated piece of sports history that documents the rise of one of basketball's greatest icons. It highlights the growing market interest in vintage, original photography capturing defining moments for legendary athletes.
The auction features historical photography from across decades, including a 1945 photo of a 10-year-old Wilt Chamberlain and a 1957 photo of 16-year-old Pelé. These items are part of a collection that also includes a 1996 photo of an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant.
The players
Michael Jordan
He is a former professional basketball player who won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Goldin
This is a prominent auction house specializing in high-value sports memorabilia and trading cards.
Bill Smith
He is the professional photographer credited with capturing the original image of Jordan.
The details
The auction lot features an image signed by Michael Jordan that commemorates his participation in high-stakes slam dunk contests during the late 1980s. Alongside the Jordan piece, Goldin is offering several other notable snapshots, such as images of Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X in Miami and Jackie Robinson during his tenure with the Montreal Royals.
Timeline
1945: Year of the captured Wilt Chamberlain photo.
1946: Year of the Jackie Robinson photo in Montreal.
July 5, 1957: Date of the Pelé photograph.
1958: Year of the Jim Brown rookie card photograph.
November 4, 2026: Official closing date for the auction.
Season Trajectory
This auction event follows the broader industry trend of surging collector demand for authentic, era-specific sports photography. By showcasing pieces from figures like Wilt Chamberlain and Jackie Robinson, it signals a market focus on long-term historical preservation for top-tier collectibles.
Prospective buyers must finalize their bids by the closing date of November 4, 2026, to participate in the auction. Collectors should review the PSA certification status of each item to verify the authenticity of the signatures and the originality of the prints.
The takeaway
The auction demonstrates that original, signed photography from basketball legends continues to be highly sought after by sports memorabilia collectors. Enthusiasts looking to invest should prioritize items with independent certification to ensure their long-term value.
Further reading
For more on the market for sports collectibles, visit our Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Collectors Digest.
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