Ken Goldin, the mastermind behind Goldin Auctions, has firmly established himself as the undisputed king of collectibles and memorabilia. As the founder and owner of Goldin Auctions, the largest collectibles auction marketplace globally, Ken has overseen auctions worth over 1.2 billion dollars in memorabilia since the company’s inception in 2012. Now, he’s taken his expertise to the small screen with a hit Netflix series that you simply cannot miss.
The debut season of “King of Collectables” premiered in April 2023 and immediately struck a chord with audiences, leading to a swift renewal for a second season. This second season aired in June 2024 and rapidly climbed the charts, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including an impressive #4 in the USA.
The first season captivated viewers with its intriguing content and charismatic host. Ken Goldin’s deep knowledge and passion for the collectibles auction business shine through, making him an endearing figure. His staff, each an expert in their respective fields, work seamlessly together. The series exudes a high-end Pawn Stars vibe while being as entertaining as Antique Roadshow. With just six episodes, the first season is a light and quick watch, showcasing some truly remarkable items and their fascinating backstories.
Dive into the World of Collectibles
Each episode delves behind the scenes of acquiring deals for auction and uncovering the stories behind the items. The Goldin team often visits collectors to see new acquisitions and explore their impressive collections. Ken frequently interacts with celebrities looking to auction their collections or seeking specific items. Notably, Peyton Manning serves as an executive producer on the series and makes multiple appearances alongside his brother. Other celebrity guests include Mike Tyson, Logan Paul, Drake, Joe Montana, Ric Flair, and Reggie Jackson.
The first season lays a solid foundation for the series, effectively explaining the business and introducing the dedicated employees. Throughout the six episodes, a wide range of incredible items is featured, including Messi’s jersey, an original Apple computer, a Pokémon card set, and Panini’s Triple Logoman card, which sold for a staggering 2.4 million dollars. A Jackie Robinson collection also stands out, even though the original Jackie Robinson Jersey didn’t meet its reserve price, his signed personal bat set a new record.
Expanding Horizons in Season Two
The second season takes things up a notch as Ken expands his focus beyond athletics to include history, music, and pop culture. One notable addition is the man who sold his Declaration of Independence in season one, now hired as the head assessor of historical artifacts for season two. Together, they embark on a quest to collect Titanic artifacts for an auction. The second season centers around Ken’s ambitious $30 million Pop Culture goal for his team. To achieve this, the team attends New York Comic Con, searching for the Holy Grail of Comics and featuring multiple rare comic books and TPGs. For fellow geeks, the second season is a treasure trove, showcasing a million-dollar Marvel comic book and some of the earliest superhero comics. However, the season’s conclusion felt rushed, leaving viewers like myself wondering if we had missed episodes.
Behind the Scenes at Goldin Collectibles
While the focus of the show is undoubtedly on the incredible items and the thrill of the auction, the behind-the-scenes dynamics at Goldin Collectibles add an extra layer of intrigue. Ken’s team is composed of passionate experts in various fields, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. Whether it’s sports memorabilia, historical artifacts, or pop culture collectibles, the team’s combined knowledge ensures that each item is thoroughly researched and authenticated.
The camaraderie among the staff is palpable, and their interactions provide a glimpse into what it takes to run a successful auction house. From negotiating deals with sellers to handling the logistics of high-profile auctions, the day-to-day operations at Goldin Collectibles are both challenging and rewarding. The show does an excellent job of highlighting these aspects, making it clear that the success of Goldin Auctions is a team effort.
Celebrity Influence and High-Profile Auctions
The inclusion of celebrities in the series adds a layer of glamour and excitement. Peyton Manning’s involvement as an executive producer and his frequent appearances alongside his brother provide a star-studded touch. Other celebrity guests, such as Mike Tyson, Logan Paul, Drake, Joe Montana, Ric Flair, and Reggie Jackson, bring their own unique flair to the show. Their participation not only attracts a broader audience but also underscores the widespread appeal of collectibles and memorabilia.
High-profile auctions featuring items like Messi’s jersey, an original Apple computer, a Pokémon card set, and Panini’s Triple Logoman card, which sold for 2.4 million dollars, are highlights of the series. These auctions showcase the incredible value that certain items can attain, emphasizing the importance of provenance and rarity in the world of collectibles.
The Future of Goldin Collectibles
So, what’s next for Goldin Collectibles and Ken’s crew? As of May 2024, eBay acquired Goldin Collectibles from Collectors Holding. While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it’s clear that Ken will continue to lead Goldin Collectibles, which will operate independently. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the company, potentially expanding its reach and influence in the collectibles market.
Recently, “King of Collectables” made headlines as a judge ruled in their favor in a lawsuit alleging that Ken stole the show idea from former Survivor contestant Gervase Peterson. Mr. Peterson claimed he pitched a similar show called “The Goldin Boys” to Ken in 2019, but when the project stalled, Goldin partnered with Netflix to create “King of Collectibles.” The ruling in favor of Goldin and Netflix solidifies the show’s standing and paves the way for future seasons.
Final Thoughts
“King of Collectables” is more than just a show about auctions; it’s a deep dive into the world of collectibles, offering viewers a unique blend of entertainment and education. Ken Goldin’s passion and expertise, combined with his team’s knowledge and the allure of high-profile items, make for a compelling watch. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates fascinating stories and rare items, this series has something for everyone.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out this gem on Netflix. With its captivating content and engaging personalities, “King of Collectables” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of memorabilia and auctions. Don’t miss out on the chance to see some of the most incredible items and hear the stories behind them!
