In a remarkable turn of events, Kobe Bryant’s NBA title ring from the 200 NBA Finals made headlines after fetching a stunning $927,200 at a Goldin auction.
This sale set a new record, surpassing Bill Russell’s first title ring from 1957 that sold for $705,000 in 2021.
RECORD SALE FOR ANY NBA TITLE RING 🏀 💍
A 2000 Lakers Championship Players Ring, gifted by Kobe to his father Joe, has sold in our March Elite.
This is the same ring originally consigned to Goldin by the Bryant Family in 2013, & the new owner (NOT Joe Bryant) is our consignor. pic.twitter.com/ZaUD0PhRs4
— Goldin (@GoldinCo) March 31, 2024
“A 2000 Lakers Championship Players Ring, gifted by Kobe to his father Joe, has sold in our March Elite,” the collectibles marketplace typed in a statement. “This is the same ring originally consigned to Goldin by the Bryant Family in 2013, & the new owner (NOT Joe Bryant) is our consignor.”
Kobe's 2000 NBA Finals ring has been auctioned for $972K 😮
Breaking the previous record, Bill Russell's 1957 ring sold for $705K
Read more: https://t.co/EJsUAcvR5v pic.twitter.com/7HZLFDlhFz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 1, 2024
The ring in question showcases 40 total diamonds and is masterfully crafted from 14-karat gold. Its design features the Lakers logo and the words “World Champions” emblazoned on its front.
Additionally, the ring carries the phrase “Ring Bling” and the year on one side, while the other side is adorned with Bryant’s name, the Lakers’ regular-season record (67-15), and their exceptional postseason record (15-8).
The ring’s underside, where Bryant’s initial number 8 his tribute to the first half of his career. Initially, the ring was said to be a gift from Kobe to his father, Joe Bryant.
A second copy of the championship ring awarded to Kobe, it also holds the title of being the most expensive ring previously gifted by a player.
Joe Bryant sold the ring to the consignor in 2013, for a record price at the time of $173,000.
Notably, the initial bid that shattered the previous record stood at $151,000, which increased to $184,220 due to Goldin’s 22% buyer premium.
Ken Goldin, CEO and founder of Goldin Auctions, predicted that this Bryant ring would “smash the record” – his prediction came true.
Out of the 43 bids placed on the Bryant ring during the final day of the auction, the winning bid reached $760,000, exclusive of the buyer’s premium.
According to Goldin, the ring has consequently become the most expensive Bryant award to be publicly sold.
This auction also featured other high-value Bryant items such as a game-worn jersey from the 2009-10 season, which celebrated the Lakers’ back-to-back championships.
