Red Auerbach, the legendary coach of the Boston Celtics, is known for leading the team to an impressive nine NBA championships in just eleven years. His impact on the basketball community is undeniable, and now fans and collectors have an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of history. Heritage Auctions is offering a collection of Auerbach’s memorabilia, including items from his most successful season and personal artifacts from his Hall of Fame career.
This exceptional collection, consigned by the Auerbach family, is set to make its debut in the prestigious Platinum Night event. There are several standout items up for auction, with one of the key highlights being Auerbach’s 1965 NBA championship ring. This ring commemorates the Celtics’ remarkable 62-18 record under Auerbach’s guidance, and it represents the pinnacle of his coaching achievements. Alongside the ring, bidders will also have the opportunity to own Auerbach’s Coach of the Year Award and his personal league championship trophy from the same season. These items truly exemplify Auerbach’s greatness as a coach. Adding to the allure, the auction includes the ring Auerbach received as the general manager of the Celtics’ 1984 championship team, which is expected to fetch a price of over $100,000.
The 1965 championship season holds a special significance in Auerbach’s career, not only because of the Celtics’ record-breaking performance but also due to Auerbach’s pioneering decision to start five African-American players, a first in the NBA’s history. This groundbreaking team was later recognized as one of the NBA’s ten greatest teams of all time in 1996, solidifying their place in basketball history. The 1965 championship ring and trophy are estimated to sell for $80,000 and $30,000 respectively, while the Coach of the Year award is also expected to attract significant interest from passionate collectors.
Among the more personal items in the auction is a 1940s Washington Capitols team jacket, believed to have been worn by Auerbach during his early coaching days and subsequently autographed. This rare piece of memorabilia offers a glimpse into Auerbach’s early career, adding a personal touch to the collection. Additionally, the auction features a unique assortment of Auerbach’s smoking pipes, complete with a stand and humidor, further highlighting the personal side of the iconic coach.
The auction also presents other notable lots, such as two signed 1960-61 team photos, a 1981 Celtics championship watch, and autographed photos of Auerbach alongside Bill Russell. A standout item is a 1960s photo of Bob Cousy signed specifically for Auerbach, showcasing the close relationships and camaraderie within the Celtics organization. Furthermore, various championship rings and jewelry pieces given to Auerbach’s wife and family will be available for bidding, making this auction a celebration of Auerbach’s legacy from multiple angles.
This upcoming auction follows a previous sale of Auerbach’s memorabilia in 2011, offering basketball enthusiasts continued opportunities to own a piece of history. Bidding for these rare and historic items will conclude on Friday, February 25, providing collectors and fans alike with a unique chance to commemorate the remarkable career and impact of one of the NBA’s most revered figures, Red Auerbach. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of basketball history.