During his youth in the mid-1850's, the boy that would become legendary oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller only had his photograph taken a few times.  Remarkably, more than 160 years later, the earliest known photograph of a then teenage Rockefeller has been uncovered.  This photograph, known as a dagguerrotype, will hit the auction block for the first time ever in the Goldin Auctions 2015 Opening Day Auction April 13th through May 9th at www.GoldinAuctions.com. 

"This is truly a museum-quality item being the earliest image from one of the most important figures in American business history.  Rockefeller, founder of the Standard Oil Company and America's first billionaire, was also the country's first great philanthropist," said Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions.  "As we saw in 2011, when an image of Billy The Kid sold at auction for $2.3 million, dagguerotypes are finding tremendous favor among collectors.  Just like Rockefeller's wealth, the sky is truly the limit for this unique find."

The daguerreotype process, introduced by Louis Daguerre in 1839 was the most common photographic process for nearly 20 years.  An exhaustive analysis of this daguerreotype image with both 2-D and 3-D modeling identified it as John D. Rockefeller by comparing it to several later Rockefeller images.  The computer analysis takes into account a normalizing of the face, the size and location of the facial features, lines and marks in the face itself, hairlines and changes that might come with age.  The revealing video analysis and written detail of the facial recognition analysis is available at this Dropbox link.

Paper and Photograph Conservator Gary E. Albright, dated the item from 1854-56.  This would place Rockefeller in his teenage years, consistent with the image of the well-dressed Rockefeller with a book in his hand.  One could assume that the daguerreotype was taken to correspond with his high school enrollment or graduation, the completion of a 10-week business course at Folson Commercial College, or his first job with Hewitt & Tuttle, a small produce commission firm.

In addition to the John D Rockefeller dagguerotype the Goldin Auctions 2015 Opening Day Auction has a spectacular offering of other historical items from legendary figures.  A few of the highlights include:

Lot #1243 - Napoleon Bonaparte Military Document - The French general has boldly signed this manuscript with his rare full last name signature. Signed in the observation column, "Apr., Bonaparte," and also signed by three others in black quill pen, Napoleon signs his approval to this military decree represented on this two-sided, untranslated manuscript in French. The document is framed with a vintage engraved print of Napoleon, titled "Napoleon in Fontainebleau." Framed 30"x23". Comes with full LOA from JSA.

Lot #1246 - Robert E. Lee Signed CDV - Robert E. Lee secured his fame as the commander of the Confederate Army of Virginia during the Civil War during his three decade military career.  Long before the era of modern photography, images of such admired figures were captured on items known as carte-de-visites (CDV), or visiting cards. These cards measured roughly 4"x2.25" and consisted of an albumen print, a thin paper photograph mounted on a thicker paper card. Items autographed by General Lee, particularly CDVs, are rare and extremely sought-after collectibles. Signature authenticated by PSA.

Lot #1428 - President Thomas Jefferson & Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith Signed Display - The third U.S. President signed the lower portion of this this 3"x12 ¼" naval appointment document along with Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith.  Alongside a portrait of Jefferson is an engraved plaque which notes his birth and death date and quotes his tombstone: "Here was Buried Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia". All three elements have been impeccably matted and framed to 15"x22". Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.

Lot #15 - Beatles Signed Fan Club Card - The 4"x6" Fan Club card signed by all four Beatles is among the most sought-after signed pieces to Beatles collectors. The classic Dezo Hoffman image of the lads sporting their famous "Beatle Suits" was produced by the Beatles Fan Club circa 1963-1964.   When these rare cards do appear on the market, the signatures are more often than not on the backside of the card - not this one.  This is a rare card with all four signatures on the front.  The photo itself remains in near-mint condition with minor paper-loss to the reverse not affecting the appearance of the item whatsoever.  The card has been encapsulated and graded a MINT 9 by PSA/DNA.

For more information about the Goldin Auctions 2015 Opening Day Auction or to receive a free catalog, visit www.GoldinAuctions.com.