Larry Bird is a Hall of Fame small forward and a member of the NBA Top 50 players of all-time.  He was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 6th pick in the 1978 NBA Draft.  Larry Bird spent his entire career with the Boston Celtics where he won three NBA championships.  After retiring, he joined the Indiana Pacers organization as a coach and executive.  Larry Bird is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, MVP, NBA Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year.

Below is a look at some of Larry Bird’s career accomplishments and highlights.

  • 12x All-Star
  • 10x All-NBA
  • 3x MVP
  • 3x NBA Champion
  • 2x NBA Finals MVP
  • 1979-80 Rookie of the Year

Larry Bird shares his rookie card with Magic Johnson and Julius Erving on an iconic 1980 Topps card.  While I would love to own that card signed by all three players, the price of a mid-grade 1980 Topps has surpassed $1,000.  In addition, all three players charge a significant premium to sign that card making it cheaper to purchase a card already completed.  I wanted to own a player era card that was autographed and selected his 1986 Fleer based on the design and popularity of that set.  I bought a raw card on eBay and sent it in to a paid signing along with a printing plate to get autographed.

Larry Bird 225x300 - Larry Bird - Autographed 1986 Fleer Card
Autographed Larry Bird 1986 Fleer Card

Currently there are only 34 autographed 1986 Fleer Larry Bird cards in the PSA registry.

Total Investment: $154.50

Estimated Value: $300

Return on Investment: 94%

Bonus Card – 2019 Panini National Treasures Court Kings Cyn Printing Plate

Larry Bird 2 215x300 - Larry Bird - Autographed 1986 Fleer Card
Autographed Larry Bird 2019 National Treasures Court Kings Printing Plate

Total Investment: $148.06

Estimated Value: $300

Return on Investment: 103%

Bonus Card – 1981 Topps

bird 231x300 - Larry Bird - Autographed 1986 Fleer Card
Autographed Larry Bird 1981 Topps Card

Total Investment: $230.99

Estimated Value: $500

Return on Investment: 117%