This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
#77 in Topps' debut 1957 basketball issue is the most coveted card in the set. The only recognized rookie card of the late Bill Russell -- the greatest winner in sports history -- is the holy grail of all vintage basketball cards. In 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, Russell won 11 championships and epitomized what it means to be a champion and true team leader. While Russell did lead the NBA in rebounding four times and averaged an incredible 22.5 boards per game during his career, his impact on the court went way beyond the box score. The 12-time All-Star was awarded league-MVP honors five times and was one of the best defenders and top clutch performers ever. Just ask his nemesis Wilt The Stilt.
Among unsigned versions, there are just three Mint 9s of Russell's iconic RC in the PSA pop report out of 1,100 authenticated entries. In terms of autographed copies, that number drops to 76. Of those, just five have received a card grade above EX 5 and only four (due to a qualifier) can be considered superior to this magnificent example. https://www.psacard.com/pop/basketball-cards/1957/topps/49841
Bill's bold signature in Celtic green is simply stunning and probably deserves better than its PSA/DNA 9 auto grade. The thick felt tip pen Russell used has a tendency to streak no matter what. We can't complain too much about the card's PSA EX 5 designation considering its front centering, or lack thereof. If it was a bit more on target coming off the printer, the nearly razor sharp corners, super clean surface and exceptionally smooth edges of this gem would elevate it at least two full points on the scale.