"Bill Russell Rookie Card Sells for Record $660,000, Proceeds Benefiting Charitable Causes"

Sports fans made history on Thursday when a 1957 Bill Russell rookie card broke the record for the most expensive pre-1980 basketball card ever sold. According to Card Ladder, the card sold for a whopping amount of $660,000 in a private sale by PWCC Marketplace. “It previously held the record for most expensive card of his when it sold for $630,000 in March 2021,” said Professional Sports Authenticator. “There are only three copies of the card graded higher, and they have never surfaced for public auction.”

The iconic Celtics great was also responsible for the auction of more than 700 items from his Hall of Fame career with Hunt Auctions which raised millions for charity. In celebration of Russell’s legacy, the NBA announced his No. 6 would be retired across the league – the first time in NBA history.

“Bill Russell was an enigma in the sports memorabilia hobby, but his charitable passion will remain a cornerstone of his legacy,” said an NBA representative. This record-breaking card is truly a remarkable tribute to one of the greatest basketball minds of all time.