Fall 2014 - Item detail
2009 New York Yankees World Series Ring in Original Wood Presentation Box!
- Sold For:
- $30,000
- Year:
- 2009
- Auction:
- 2014 Fall
- Lot #:
- 938
- Category:
- Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia
New York Yankees World Series ring, issued to a team executive, commemorating the club's 2009 World Championship season. The 14K gold ring, produced by Balfour, is one of the most impressive and generously diamond-studded rings ever produced! A total of 119 diamonds, of various sizes, are featured within the design, which is simple, but elegant. The top of the ring features the club's interlocking "NY" logo set in the middle of a baseball-path design, with four larger diamonds representing the bases. That design is set upon a blue sapphire background. Two rows of small diamonds line the perimeter. The left shank features a representation of the newly opened Yankee Stadium, above which is lettered "World Champions," and below, "2009" and "Unity." The right shank displays the name of the recipient, "Smith," the Yankees' famous "Top Hat" logo, and the word "Tradition." 2009 marked the club's first season in the new Yankee Stadium and a special engraved design on the interior band commemorates that event. The design incorporates a partial depiction of the famed stadium facade and is worded "Yankee Stadium/2009/Inaugural Season." Also engraved on the interior band is "Balfour 14K." Also of special note: As is ideal, the ring is accompanied by its original Balfour wood presentation box with Smith's name printed along the base.
This ring was presented to Richard "Dick" Smith, a former vice president of the New York Yankees and longtime close friend of former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He also served as president of the Columbus Clippers (a Yankees minor-league affiliate) for thirty-two years. Our consignor recently purchased this ring, along with Smith's 1998 New York Yankees World Series ring (also offered in this sale), directly from the Smith family (Smith died in February 2013). New York Yankees World Series rings from the 2009 season are rarely offered at public sale and this is just the second we have ever offered. Most modern-era World Series rings are forever prized as special family keepsakes by extremely well paid players who have no economic incentive to ever part with them. The offering of an employee ring such as this, which is identical in all respects to that received by players, is a very rare exception. The Yankees spared no expense in the design of their 2009 rings. This is a most extraordinary keepsake and extremely substantial piece of jewelry with considerable intrinsic value for its materials alone. Near Mint condition (both ring and box). Size: approximately 10.5. Weight: 45 grams.
SOLD FOR $30,000
This ring was presented to Richard "Dick" Smith, a former vice president of the New York Yankees and longtime close friend of former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He also served as president of the Columbus Clippers (a Yankees minor-league affiliate) for thirty-two years. Our consignor recently purchased this ring, along with Smith's 1998 New York Yankees World Series ring (also offered in this sale), directly from the Smith family (Smith died in February 2013). New York Yankees World Series rings from the 2009 season are rarely offered at public sale and this is just the second we have ever offered. Most modern-era World Series rings are forever prized as special family keepsakes by extremely well paid players who have no economic incentive to ever part with them. The offering of an employee ring such as this, which is identical in all respects to that received by players, is a very rare exception. The Yankees spared no expense in the design of their 2009 rings. This is a most extraordinary keepsake and extremely substantial piece of jewelry with considerable intrinsic value for its materials alone. Near Mint condition (both ring and box). Size: approximately 10.5. Weight: 45 grams.
SOLD FOR $30,000