Signed 1961 Fleer Bill Russell #38 PSA EX-MT 6, PSA/DNA Auto 10....

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Signed 1961 Fleer Bill Russell #38 PSA EX-MT 6, PSA/DNA Auto 10. CORRECTION: The title was corrected. This is a Fleer card, not Topps.

If there was ever proof that Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach was ahead of his time, this was it. Historically, the center position had always been seen almost exclusively as an offensive weapon, but the legendary hardcourt general saw in the University of San Francisco All American an elite rebounder who could dominate the backcourt. Russell, Auerbach believed, was the missing piece in the Celtics' Championship puzzle. In a 1956 draft-day trade with the St. Louis Hawks, Auerbach claimed his prize, and added fellow future Hall of Famers K.C. Jones and Tommy Heinsohn to the roster as well. And thus the greatest dynasty in NBA history was begun.

Provided is a special commemorative of the most prolific champion in NBA history, produced during the season he won his fourth of eleven NBA Finals. Imperfect centering is the factor that resists at least one more step up the PSA grading ladder (if not two), as bright colors, crisp registration and sharp corners provide a veritable "pack-fresh" aesthetic.

Some decades later, a smart collector tracked down a Celtics green sharpie and this figurative and literal giant of the sport, coming away with one of the prettiest signed rookie cards in the hobby. Only two cards with higher grades appear in the autographed population of PSA--of course neither of them could possibly boast a higher autograph grade. Graded PSA EX-MT 6 with a certified and graded PSA/DNA Auto 10.

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