Ken Goldin Net Worth: Sports Memorabilia Auctioneer and Goldin Auctions Founder
Ken Goldin is a sports memorabilia auctioneer and television personality. He founded Goldin Auctions, a platform specializing in high-value sports collectibles and trading cards. His career spans decades in the memorabilia industry, from early trading card ventures to leading one of the most recognized auction houses in the sector.
Table Of Content
| Full Name | Kenneth Goldin |
|---|---|
| Profession | Auctioneer, Television Personality, Sports Memorabilia Expert |
| Social Media | Instagram (@kengoldin) |
| Official Website | Goldin Auctions |
| Family | Paul Goldin (father), Sharon Goldin (sister) |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | August 18, 1965 |
| Current Residence | Runnemede, New Jersey, USA |
Early Career in Sports Collectibles
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ken Goldin began trading baseball cards at age 12. This early interest in collectibles shaped his future business direction. He attended Drexel University, where he studied business.
In 1986, Goldin co-founded The Score Board, Inc. with his father, Paul Goldin. The company secured exclusive agreements with notable athletes, including Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Muhammad Ali. The Score Board focused on trading cards and memorabilia, reportedly generating over $20 million in annual sales during the late 1980s.
When market conditions shifted in the 1990s, The Score Board ceased operations. Goldin continued working in the collectibles sector.
Founding Goldin Auctions
In 2012, Goldin established Goldin Auctions. The company positioned itself as a platform for authenticated sports memorabilia, trading cards, and collectibles. Goldin Auctions emphasized verification processes and secure transactions.
The business attracted collectors, investors, and athletes seeking to buy or sell rare items. Within several years, the auction house handled high-value sports artifacts and set multiple sales records.
Notable Auction Sales
Goldin Auctions has facilitated several significant memorabilia transactions:
- Mike Trout rookie card: $3.9 million (2020)
- Kobe Bryant game-worn jersey: $3.69 million (2021)
- LeBron James rookie card: $5.2 million (2021)
- Michael Jordan autographed patch card: $2.7 million (2022)
- Babe Ruth 1920s game-worn jersey: $5.8 million (2024)
These sales established Goldin Auctions as a primary venue for high-end sports collectibles.
eBay Acquisition
Goldin Auctions reported annual revenue exceeding $300 million by 2022. In April 2024, eBay acquired Goldin Auctions. The terms of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed.
Ken Goldin continues to serve as founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, which operates under the eBay umbrella while maintaining its brand. eBay reported generating over $10 billion in gross merchandise volume from collectibles over 12 months before the acquisition.
Media Presence
Goldin’s visibility extends beyond auction operations. He stars in the Netflix docuseries “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch,” which premiered in April 2023. The series provides insight into the sports memorabilia auction process. A second season was released in June 2024.
He has appeared on ESPN, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and Fox Business, discussing collectibles market trends and sports card valuations.
Sports Memorabilia as an Investment Category
The sports memorabilia sector has attracted interest from collectors and investors. Trading cards and game-worn items are sometimes treated as alternative investments.
Goldin’s work in authentication and valuation has contributed to the professionalization of the sports collectibles market. His auction house uses data analysis and verification methods to assess item values.
Ken Goldin Net Worth
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Reported Net Worth Range | $50 million to $350 million (2025) |
| Primary Income Sources | Goldin Auctions commissions, equity from eBay acquisition, television contracts, consulting |
| Business Valuation Factors | Auction volume, transaction fees, media deals, equity holdings |
As of 2025, Ken Goldin’s net worth is publicly cited in a range from $50 million to $350 million. The variance reflects different estimation methods and the private nature of his financial information.
His reported income sources include:
- Commission fees from Goldin Auctions sales
- Equity compensation related to the eBay acquisition
- Revenue from television production and appearances
- Consulting within the collectibles industry
The valuation range accounts for business equity, transaction volume, and media-related income.
Ken Goldin serves as Chairman of the Camcare Charitable Foundation, which supports healthcare and educational initiatives. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Museum of Sports, an organization focused on preserving sports history and culture.
Future Direction
Goldin Auctions continues to operate under eBay’s ownership. The company has indicated interest in expanding into digital collectibles and authentication technology. Goldin has mentioned potential growth in international markets where sports memorabilia collecting is developing.
The auction house is reportedly investing in blockchain and authentication systems to address fraud prevention and buyer verification.
