Nov 6, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
The 1970 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico was the first hosted in North America and the last appearance on the world stage for Pelé. The Brazilian legend went out in style, leading Seleção to its third World Cup title out of the previous four – all during his great reign. Featured here is an incredibly rare 1970 FIFA World Cup winner’s medal presented to Brazil National Team player José Guilherme Baldocchi, a reserve center back on the championship squad. Widely regarded as one of the greatest World Cup teams ever assembled, Brazil finished with a perfect record. They won all six matches in the final tournament and were victorious in every qualifier leading up to it, a streak that lasted over two years. In the Final at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 with goals from Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho, and captain Carlos Alberto.
This well-crafted medal has an intricate design on the obverse with a raised relief depiction of Nike, Greek goddess of victory, spreading her wings and holding a laurel branch in each hand. "F.I.F.A.” is engraved at the top, with the maker’s hallmark "Peka" in tiny letters on the upper right. The bottom has two small circular atlases depicting the Western and Eastern Hemisphere. The reverse reads "Campeonato Mundial De Futbol / Copa Jules Rimet / México / 1970" [World Football Championship/ Jules Rimet Trophy / Mexico / 1970] surrounding a laurel wreath.
The design of this medal is the same as the one awarded to Pelé that sold for £346,000 ($444,000) in The Pelé Collection auction in 2016. They were all designed with a loop attached at the top. The only difference is the precious metal composition. Starting XI player medals were made of 18-karat gold “stamped .750” while subs like Baldocchi received these gold-plated versions. Only players received medals. Fellow substitute, Marco Antonio Feliciano, auctioned his medal in 2022 for $108,800. Measurements are 1.5” tall (38 mm) by 1” wide (25 mm) not including the loop. Weighs 18 grams. Comes in outstanding condition with light handling and no surface blemishes. Includes letter of provenance from Baldocchi, now 78 years old.
Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.