Ken Goldin is an American auctioneer and television personality who has sold over $2 billion in memorabilia through his company, Goldin Auctions. He founded the business in 2012 and gained mainstream attention as the star of Netflix’s “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch.”
Who Is Ken Goldin?
Kenneth Goldin was born on August 18, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as a Philadelphia Phillies fan who started collecting baseball cards as a child. What began as a simple hobby transformed into a lifelong career that reshaped the collectibles industry.
At age 13, Goldin began selling baseball cards, using the profits to fund his education. His parents, Paul and Carole Goldin, supported his entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating from Friends Select School in Philadelphia, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Drexel University and studied marketing at George Washington University School of Business.
Today, Goldin runs the leading auction house for sports memorabilia, trading cards, and pop culture collectibles. His company routinely breaks records for the most expensive items ever sold at auction.
The Early Years: Building Score Board Inc.
In 1986, Goldin formed The Score Board, Inc., with his father, Paul. The company created branded trading cards and signed athletes to exclusive autograph contracts. This business model proved highly successful during the sports card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Score Board went public in 1987 and made $1 million in sales that year. Sales grew to $20 million by 1989, and the company reached $100 million in annual sales by 1994. Goldin became a regular on television shopping networks and sports memorabilia shows, building his reputation as an industry expert.
He left Score Board in 1997 when oversupply during the “junk wax era” devalued rookie cards. From 1998 to 2011, he supplied sports collectibles to TV shopping networks like QVC and HSN, maintaining his presence in the industry as the CEO of Goldin.
Founding Goldin Auctions
Goldin established Goldin Auctions in 2012. The company quickly became known for handling high-value items and record-breaking sales. Unlike traditional auction houses, Goldin Auctions focused exclusively on quality over quantity, accepting only the most valuable and authenticated pieces.
The timing proved perfect. The collectibles market experienced renewed interest in the 2010s, driven by millennials and Gen Z collectors who grew up during the 1990s sports card boom. Basketball and football cards gained traction alongside traditional baseball collectibles.
The company became worth $102 million in 2020. In 2021, major investors, including Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade, Logan Paul, and Mark Cuban, backed the company when Collectors Holdings acquired a majority stake.
The eBay Acquisition
In May 2024, eBay acquired Goldin Auctions from Collectors Holdings. Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but the deal represented a major shift in the collectibles industry, reflecting the influence of the leading collectibles marketplace. The acquisition gave eBay access to high-end auction expertise and a curated selection of premium items.
Ken Goldin remains CEO and founder, continuing to operate the company independently under eBay’s ownership. The partnership combines Goldin’s auction expertise with eBay’s massive marketplace reach and technical infrastructure.
The deal also included Collectors’ PSA acquiring eBay’s vault services, creating a more integrated experience for collectors who grade, store, and sell their items.
Record-Breaking Sales
Goldin has facilitated some of the most expensive collectibles sales in history. His company handles items worth millions of dollars regularly.
At $7.25 million, Goldin facilitated the private sale of a Honus Wagner T-206 trading card that received a grade of 2 from Sportscard Guaranty Corp. This broke the previous record of $6.6 million for another Wagner card.
Mike Trout’s rookie card sold for $3.93 million, setting a record for modern sports cards at the time. A limited edition LeBron James card brought in $2.4 million.
In May 2021, Goldin sold the most expensive Kobe Bryant LA Lakers rookie jersey for $3.69 million, completing the sale one week after Bryant’s posthumous Basketball Hall of Fame induction.
Other notable sales include Michael Jordan’s 1992 Olympic Dream Team Jersey for $1.5 million and his 1997 NBA Finals “Flu Game” sneakers for $1.38 million. A 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for over $12 million in one of the company’s auctions.
The company has handled more than 40 individual items worth over $1 million each, featuring athletes like Serena Williams, Mia Hamm, and Muhammad Ali.
King of Collectibles: The Netflix Series
Goldin’s Netflix show “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch” debuted on April 28, 2023. The series takes viewers behind the scenes of the auction business, showing how rare collectibles are sourced, authenticated, and sold.
The show was renewed for a second season, which debuted on June 12, 2024. It peaked at No. 4 in the United States and No. 20 worldwide. The series features celebrity appearances from Mike Tyson, Logan Paul, and Peyton Manning, whose Omaha Productions company co-produces the show.
The third season was released on December 23, 2025, showcasing even more impressive items and celebrity collectors. Season 3 includes appearances from Logan Paul (consigning his rare Pokémon Pikachu Illustrator card), R.L. Stine, and Giannis Antetokounmpo with his three brothers.
The show has been credited with bringing mainstream attention to the collectibles industry and helping casual viewers understand why people pay millions for trading cards and memorabilia.
Expanding Beyond Sports
In June 2025, Goldin Auctions acquired Studio Auctions, a rare movie props auction house, to expand into Hollywood and entertainment memorabilia. This move allows the company to handle items like screen-worn costumes, original props, and entertainment artifacts.
The expansion makes sense given the growing interest in pop culture collectibles. Items like Bob Ross paintings, Batman movie props, and vintage video game cartridges have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars through Goldin Auctions.
Goldin Auctions staged its first major public showcase in Japan, bringing high-end sports memorabilia to international collectors. This global expansion reflects the worldwide appeal of American sports and entertainment collectibles.
What Makes Goldin Auctions Different?
Several factors separate Goldin Auctions from competitors in the collectibles market.
Authentication Standards
Every item sold through Goldin undergoes professional authentication. The company works with respected grading services like PSA, SGC, and Beckett to verify authenticity. This builds trust with buyers willing to spend significant amounts, especially those interested in Michael Jordan memorabilia.
Marketing Expertise
Goldin knows how to generate excitement around auctions. He appears on Fox Business, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and ESPN to discuss market trends. His media presence keeps the company and its auctions in the public eye.
High-Profile Relationships
The company maintains official partnerships with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, Jackie Robinson Foundation, and Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. These relationships provide access to historically significant items.
Focus on Modern Cards
While traditional auction houses concentrated on vintage items, Goldin recognized the value in modern basketball and football cards. This focus on younger collectors and contemporary athletes helped the company grow during the 2020s boom.
The Business Model
Goldin Auctions keeps 20% of each sale. For items valued between $10,000 and $249,999, standard commission rates apply, which are often discussed in TikTok videos about the collectibles market. Higher-value items receive negotiated commission structures.
In March 2021, Goldin sold $41 million in cards and memorabilia at a single auction. By May 2021, the company had generated $200 million in sales for the year.
Goldin Auctions surpassed $300 million in sales in 2022, representing a $200 million increase from $101 million in 2020 sales. This growth occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when interest in collectibles surged.
The company generates revenue through multiple auction formats: weekly auctions for mid-tier items, monthly Elite Auctions for high-value pieces, and private sales for the most exclusive items. The Goldin 100 showcases the company’s most impressive current offerings.
Ken Goldin’s Net Worth
Estimates of Ken Goldin’s personal wealth vary widely. Some sources suggest his net worth ranges from $50 million to $350 million as of 2025. The variance reflects the difficulty in valuing private business holdings and the impact of the eBay acquisition.
His income comes from multiple sources: auction commissions, his Netflix series, speaking engagements, and personal investments in collectibles. The eBay deal likely provided significant financial returns, though specific terms weren’t disclosed.
Charitable Work and Community Involvement
Goldin serves as Chairman of the Camcare Charitable Foundation, supporting community initiatives and projects. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Museum of Sports, helping preserve sports history through exhibits and programs.
In August 2025, Goldin auctioned a bat signed by a viral Little Leaguer from Haddonfield, New Jersey, donating all proceeds to the Haddonfield Little League. These charitable efforts demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the community that supported his early career.
The Current Collectibles Market
The sports memorabilia and trading card market has experienced remarkable growth. Several factors drive this expansion:
Investment Potential
Collectors now view rare cards and memorabilia as alternative assets. Items that appreciate over time attract serious investors alongside traditional hobbyists.
Digital Authentication
Blockchain technology and digital verification make it easier to prove authenticity and track ownership history, aligning with the leading collectibles marketplace standards. This reduces fraud and increases buyer confidence.
Celebrity Involvement
High-profile figures like Logan Paul, Drake, and Kim Kardashian publicly collect cards and memorabilia. Their involvement brings mainstream attention and new collectors to the hobby.
Nostalgia Factor
Millennials and Gen Z collectors with disposable income seek items from their childhood. Basketball cards from the 1990s and 2000s particularly benefit from this trend.
In August 2025, Goldin stated he was expanding his hobby reach and set a goal of $10 million in modern card sales for a single card. This ambitious target reflects confidence in continued market growth.
Challenges and Competition
The collectibles industry faces several challenges. Market volatility concerns some experts who remember the 1990s bubble and subsequent crash. Oversupply of modern cards could potentially devalue items if production continues at current levels.
Goldin faces competition from other major players. Fanatics has invested heavily in collectibles, acquiring trading card companies like Topps and launching Fanatics Auctions, further establishing itself as a leader in the market. Heritage Auctions and Robert Edward Auctions also compete for high-value consignments. eBay’s marketplace offers direct competition for lower and mid-tier items.
The acquisition by eBay positions Goldin well against these competitors. The company gains access to eBay’s massive user base while maintaining the prestige and expertise of a specialized auction house.
Future Directions
Goldin Auctions continues expanding into new categories. The Studio Auctions acquisition signals interest in entertainment memorabilia. The company also handles vintage video games, comic books, and historical documents.
International expansion represents another growth opportunity. The Japan showcase demonstrates demand for American sports collectibles overseas. European and Asian markets show increasing interest in basketball and football items.
Goldin recently acquired Shohei Ohtani’s third home run baseball, highlighting the company’s ability to secure culturally significant items. These high-profile pieces generate media attention and attract new consignors.
The Netflix series will likely continue if Season 3 performs well. Goldin has stated he wants a Season 4, and the show’s success helps recruit new consignors who want their items featured on the program.
FAQs
How did Ken Goldin start his career?
Ken Goldin began buying and selling baseball cards at age 13. He used profits from card sales to pay for college, then co-founded Score Board Inc. with his father in 1986.
What is Ken Goldin’s most expensive sale?
The $7.25 million private sale of a Honus Wagner T-206 trading card represents one of his highest-profile deals. A 1952 Mickey Mantle card that sold for over $12 million also passed through Goldin Auctions.
Does Ken Goldin still own Goldin Auctions?
Yes. While eBay acquired Goldin Auctions in May 2024, Ken Goldin remains as founder and CEO, continuing to operate the company.
How much does Goldin Auctions charge?
The company typically keeps 20% of each sale, with rates varying based on item value and negotiated agreements for high-value pieces.
Where can I watch King of Collectibles?
All three seasons of “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch” stream exclusively on Netflix. Season 3 premiered on December 23, 2025.
What types of items does Goldin Auctions sell?
The company handles sports cards, game-worn jerseys and equipment, autographed memorabilia, entertainment collectibles, vintage video games, historical documents, and pop culture items.
Conclusion
Ken Goldin transformed from a teenage baseball card dealer into the most recognizable name in collectibles auctions. His journey spans four decades of industry changes, from the boom and bust of the 1990s to today’s investment-driven market.
Through Goldin Auctions, he has facilitated over $2 billion in sales and broken countless records. His Netflix series brings the excitement of high-stakes auctions to millions of viewers worldwide. The eBay acquisition positions the company for continued growth and expanded reach.
Whether you’re a serious collector, casual hobbyist, or someone curious about why people pay millions for trading cards, Ken Goldin’s story illustrates how passion and business expertise can create lasting success in an evolving industry.
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