The most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction—a gold, ruby, and diamond ring that belonged to the iconic US rapper Tupac (2pac) Shakur—has fetched an astonishing $1.02 million at Sotheby’s New York auction held last week. The ring’s sale price surpassed its high estimate by more than three times, setting a new record in the world of hip-hop collectibles
According to Sotheby’s website, the 14 karat yellow gold ring includes “diamonds weighing approximately 5 carats.”
Described by Sotheby’s as an “act of self-coronation, “the ring takes the shape of a crown, inspired by the regal crowns of medieval European kings. The ring features the inscription “Pac & Dada 1996” on the inside of the band – a tribute to Tupac’s recent engagement to Kidada Jones, the daughter of Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton, and sister to actress Rashida Jones.
Tupac created the ring in 1996 to commemorate his highly-publicized deal with Death Row Records and his release on bond from a New York correctional facility. The ring was worn by the artist during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, shortly before his death. It is now being auctioned by Yaasmyn Fula, the late rapper’s godmother.
