Ken Goldin is a top sports memorabilia auctioneer and TV personality. He founded Goldin Auctions and made buying and selling rare sports items easier. His wealth accumulation has grown as Goldin Auctions sets new sales records worldwide.
| 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 |
| Age | 59 years old (born August 18, 1965) |
| Current Residence | Likely Runnemede, New Jersey, USA |
| Career Summary | Founder & CEO of Goldin Auctions; financial status ranges from $50M–$350M in 2025 |
Early Life
Born on August 18, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By age 12, he was trading baseball cards, showing the entrepreneurial assets that would shape his career. He studied business at Drexel University, giving him the tools to build a multi-million-dollar company in sports memorabilia.
The Score Board Inc.
In 1986, Ken co-founded The Score Board, Inc., with his father, Paul Goldin. The company gained attention for securing exclusive deals with legendary athletes like Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Muhammad Ali. The Score Board became a major player in trading cards, generating over $20 million in annual sales by the late 1980s. When the market changed, the Score Board closed in the late 1990s. Despite this setback, Ken remained committed to collectibles and soon started his next big venture.
Starting Goldin Auctions
In 2012, Goldin launched Goldin Auctions, which quickly became a leading platform for high-end collectibles, sports cards, and memorabilia. Unlike other auction houses, Goldin Auctions focused on authenticity, offering secure transactions and expert appraisals. Within a few years, it was handling some of the most valuable sports artifacts in history. His business model attracted investors, athletes, and celebrities looking to buy or sell unique items.
Record-Breaking Auctions
Goldin Auctions has been responsible for some of the biggest memorabilia sales ever recorded, including:
- A Mike Trout rookie card that sold for $3.9 million in 2020
- A Kobe Bryant game-worn jersey was auctioned for $3.69 million in 2021
- A LeBron James rookie card that fetched $5.2 million in 2021
- A Michael Jordan autographed patch card that went for $2.7 million in 2022
- A Babe Ruth 1920s game-worn jersey that sold for $5.8 million in 2024
These sales solidified Goldin’s reputation as the go-to auction house for rare and high-value collectibles, directly contributing to his personal fortune.
Growing with eBay
Goldin Auctions experienced rapid growth, with annual revenue surpassing $300 million by 2022. In April 2024, eBay officially acquired Goldin Auctions, with Ken Goldin continuing to operate as founder and CEO. The deal allows Goldin Auctions to retain its brand identity while accessing eBay’s global marketplace.
This acquisition positioned eBay as a dominant force in the high-end collectibles market, with eBay generating over $10 billion in GMV from collectibles over a recent 12-month period. As of 2025, Goldin remains the CEO of the company, ensuring its continued growth and strategic direction.
On TV and in the News
Ken Goldin’s influence extends beyond the auction house. His role as the star of the Netflix docuseries “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch” has amplified his public persona. The show, which debuted in April 2023, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of sports memorabilia. Due to massive popularity, a second season premiered in June 2024, further boosting Goldin’s brand and introducing a new generation to collectibles.
Goldin is also a frequent guest on major news and financial networks, including ESPN, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and Fox Business, where he shares insights on market trends, sports card investments, and predictions for the future of collectibles.
Why Collectibles Matter
The sports memorabilia industry continues to thrive, with increasing interest from investors and collectors. Trading cards and game-worn jerseys have emerged as alternative investments, attracting high-net-worth individuals and celebrities looking for stable returns.
Ken Goldin has played a significant role in shaping this trend, using technology and data to determine collectible values. His expertise in sports memorabilia valuation and ROI strategies has made him a trusted figure in the industry.
Ken Goldin Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Ken Goldin’s net worth estimates vary significantly, ranging from $50 million to $350 million. The wide range reflects different valuation methods and the private nature of his financial holdings. His monetary value comes from multiple revenue streams, including:
- Goldin Auctions commissions on high-value memorabilia sales
- Equity compensation from the eBay acquisition
- Television deals, particularly his successful Netflix series
- Consulting and endorsements within the collectibles and sports industries
The business valuation expert’s wealth is expected to grow in the coming years with the increasing popularity of rare collectibles and sports cards. His capital worth represents the antithesis of modest wealth, establishing him as a major player in the auction industry.
Beyond business, Ken Goldin is actively involved in philanthropic efforts. He serves as Chairman of the Camcare Charitable Foundation, contributing to healthcare initiatives and educational programs. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Museum of Sports, helping preserve and promote sports culture history.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Ken Goldin shows no signs of slowing down. With eBay’s backing, Goldin Auctions is expected to expand into new markets, including NFTs and digital collectibles, bringing new technology to memorabilia. Goldin has hinted at possible global expansion, tapping into emerging markets in Europe and Asia where sports collectibles are gaining traction.
With advancements in blockchain and AI-driven authentication, the company is investing in cutting-edge technology to prevent fraud and enhance buyer confidence. These innovations are set to revolutionize how collectibles are traded and valued, potentially increasing the market capitalization of the entire industry.
Final Thoughts
Ken Goldin’s journey from a young baseball card trader to the most influential auctioneer in the sports memorabilia industry is extraordinary. His keen business skills, combined with a deep passion for collectibles, have shaped an industry that continues to evolve. Through record-breaking auctions, strategic business moves, and media influence, he has cemented his legacy as the king of sports memorabilia.
With Goldin Auctions expanding under eBay’s umbrella and the industry reaching new heights, Ken Goldin remains at the center of it all, ensuring that the legacy of sports and collectibles lives on for generations to come. His asset portfolio and economic standing continue to reflect his position as a leading figure in the collectibles market segment.
