Ken Goldin is a well-known figure in the sports memorabilia industry. He is the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, which is one of the leading auction houses for sports collectibles. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Goldin has established himself as an expert in the field.
Goldin has a reputation for selling some of the most valuable and rare sports memorabilia items in history. In 2019, Goldin Auctions sold a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card for $2.88 million, which set a new record for the most expensive sports trading card ever sold. Goldin has also sold other notable items such as a Babe Ruth game-used bat for $1.2 million and a LeBron James game-worn jersey for $630,000. His auctions have attracted high-profile buyers such as actor Mark Wahlberg and rapper Eminem.
Early Life
Ken Goldin was born on June 23, 1967, in Livingston, New Jersey. He grew up in a family of sports enthusiasts and developed a passion for sports at a young age. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a homemaker.
Goldin attended the University of Maryland and graduated with a degree in business. While in college, he worked part-time at a local sports memorabilia store, where he gained valuable experience in the industry.
After graduation, Goldin started his own sports memorabilia business, which he ran out of his parents’ basement. He quickly gained a reputation for his expertise in the field and his ability to find rare and valuable items.
In 1989, Goldin founded Goldin Auctions, which quickly became one of the premier auction houses for sports memorabilia. The company has since grown to become a leader in the industry, with a reputation for its extensive collection of rare and unique items.
Throughout his career, Goldin has remained dedicated to his passion for sports and sports memorabilia. He has become a well-respected figure in the industry and is known for his expertise and knowledge of the market.
Career
Ken Goldin is a well-known figure in the sports memorabilia industry. He started his career in the early 1990s, when he founded Score Board Inc., a company that produced and sold sports trading cards and memorabilia. Goldin quickly became known for his innovative ideas and marketing strategies, which helped him build a successful business.
In 1998, Goldin sold Score Board to a private equity firm and started a new venture, Goldin Auctions. The company quickly established itself as a major player in the sports memorabilia auction market, thanks to Goldin’s extensive knowledge of the industry and his ability to attract high-profile consignors and buyers.
Over the years, Goldin Auctions has set numerous records for the sale of sports memorabilia, including the sale of a Honus Wagner T206 baseball card for $3.12 million in 2016. Goldin has also been instrumental in the sale of other iconic items, such as a Babe Ruth jersey, a Michael Jordan game-worn jersey, and a LeBron James rookie card.
Goldin’s success in the sports memorabilia industry has earned him a reputation as a shrewd businessman and a leading expert in the field. He has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNBC, ESPN, and The New York Times, and has been a guest speaker at industry conferences and events.
Today, Goldin continues to lead Goldin Auctions, which has grown into one of the largest and most respected sports memorabilia auction houses in the world. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Ken Goldin Net Worth
Ken Goldin is a well-known figure in the sports memorabilia industry, having founded Goldin Auctions in 2012. As of 2023, Ken Goldin net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
Influence on the Sports Memorabilia Industry
Ken Goldin has been a significant figure in the sports memorabilia industry since the early 1980s. His extensive knowledge of the market and his ability to source rare and unique items have helped him become a leading figure in the industry. He has been involved in several high-profile sales, including the auction of the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, which sold for a record-breaking $3.12 million in 2016.
Goldin’s influence on the sports memorabilia industry is evident in his role as the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, one of the largest auction houses in the world. The company has achieved tremendous success under his leadership, with record-breaking sales and an impressive client list that includes professional athletes, celebrities, and collectors from around the world.
Goldin’s expertise has also been recognized by the media, with appearances on several television shows, including CNBC’s “Power Lunch” and “Squawk Box.” He has also been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and ESPN.
Goldin’s commitment to authenticity and transparency has helped to raise the standards of the sports memorabilia industry. He has been a vocal advocate for the use of third-party authentication services and has implemented strict policies to ensure the integrity of the items sold through Goldin Auctions.
Overall, Ken Goldin’s influence on the sports memorabilia industry cannot be overstated. His extensive knowledge, commitment to authenticity, and ability to source rare and unique items have helped him become a leading figure in the industry.
Notable Auctions
Ken Goldin has been involved in numerous notable auctions throughout his career. Here are a few examples:
- In August 2021, Goldin Auctions sold a 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite LeBron James Rookie Patch Autograph card for $5.2 million, setting a new record for a basketball card sale. The card was graded a BGS 9.5 Gem Mint and featured a patch from one of James’ Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys.
- In January 2021, Goldin Auctions sold a 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Superfractor Autograph card for $3.84 million, setting a new record for a baseball card sale. The card was graded a BGS 9.5 Gem Mint and was the only one of its kind in existence.
- In April 2021, Goldin Auctions sold a 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Limited Logos LeBron James Patch Autograph card for $1.72 million. The card was graded a BGS 9 Mint and featured a patch from one of James’ Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys.
- In August 2020, Goldin Auctions sold a 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Wax Box for $1.78 million, setting a new record for a basketball card box sale. The box contained 36 unopened packs, each containing 12 cards, and the possibility of finding a Michael Jordan rookie card.
- In February 2021, Goldin Auctions sold a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card for $5.2 million, setting a new record for a sports card sale. The card was graded a PSA 9 Mint and is considered one of the most iconic cards in the hobby.
These are just a few examples of the notable auctions that Ken Goldin has been a part of. His expertise and reputation in the industry have made him a go-to auctioneer for high-end sports memorabilia and collectibles.
Awards and Recognition
Ken Goldin’s expertise in the sports memorabilia industry has earned him several awards and recognition throughout his career. Here are some of the notable ones:
- 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year: Ken Goldin was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2019 for his outstanding leadership and innovation in the sports memorabilia industry. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as financial performance, innovation, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
- 2020 Most Influential People in Sports Business: In 2020, Ken Goldin was recognized as one of the most influential people in the sports business by Sports Business Journal. This list highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the sports industry and have had a major impact on the way sports are played, consumed, and perceived.
- 2021 Top 100 Collectors: Ken Goldin was included in the Top 100 Collectors list by Sports Collectors Digest in 2021. This list recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sports memorabilia industry through their passion for collecting and their impact on the market.
Ken Goldin’s dedication and expertise in the sports memorabilia industry have earned him these prestigious awards and recognition. He continues to be a driving force in the industry and a respected figure among collectors, investors, and enthusiasts.
