BOSTON, MASS.- A Stephen Hawking autograph sold for $18,813, according to Boston-based RR Auction. The vintage circa 1983 felt tip signature, "Stephen Hawking," by the English theoretical physicist.

Accompanied by a transmittal letter signed by his wife, Jane Hawking, dated October 15, 1983, in part: "Thank you for your courteous letter of 29 September requesting my husband's autograph. After many slow and painful attempts my husband has managed to produce a signature for you. I enclose it herewith." Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.

In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease that gradually, over decades, paralyzed him. Although some physicians expected his life to be short, he died at 76 after living for more than 50 years with ALS. He published many articles and several books on theoretical physics and the Big Bang theory.

"Stephen Hawking transcended his disability to become one of the greatest scientific minds of the 21st century," said Bobby Livingston, "signed material from this period of his life is incredibly rare.”

Additional highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

Honus Wagner signed cardstock supplement to The Sporting News sold for $28,489.

George Washington free-franked mailing panel sold for $13,589.

Jim Morrison signed check, PSA MINT 9, sold for $10,490.

Notorious B.I.G. signed photograph - PSA MINT 9, sold for $10,425

Abraham Lincoln Autograph Endorsement Signed as President - PSA NM-MT 8, sold for $9,983.

Jimi Hendrix signed photograph from 1968 sold for $9,981.

The PSA Encapsulated Auction from RR Auction began on January 27 and concluded on February 16.