Spring Premium Live and Catalog Auction Ending May 20(1-70) and June 3
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/4/2017
In their first year after moving into their new modern Stadium, the 2009 New York Yankees achieve the same result the Babe Ruth led 1923 Yankees did when they opened the original Yankee Stadium – winning a World Championship. After defeating the then-reigning champion Philadelphia Phillies in a stirring six game series for an unparalleled 27th World Series title, the Yankee participants were presented with these gorgeous rings.
The 2009 Yankee World Series ring is among the most striking and beautiful World Series Rings in existence. This particular ring is the same version (size, weight, and number of diamonds) that the players received. 14K white gold and produced by Balfour, this ring is majestic in nature, being gifted with a staggering 109 diamonds, among the most ever to adorn a championship ring.
The face features a Yankee blue stone accented by a diamond clustered “NY” logo rising from a diamond lined base path, with four larger diamonds representing infield bases and home plate. One shank has the name “KING JR.” in raised relief above the famous Yankees Top Hat logo, with the word “TRADITION” below. The other shank boasts the title “WORLD CHAMPIONS 2009” encompassing an image of the new Yankee Stadium with the word “UNITY” below. Inside the ring are the markings “YANKEE STADIUM INAUGURAL SEASON 2009” amidst the new stadium image as well as “BALFOUR 14K” stamped within. The approximate size 9 1/2 ring weighs 44.7 grams and belonged to a staff member with the A-affiliate Tampa Yankees whose home turf is George M. Steinbrenner Field. Ironically, it was the final World Series title for George Steinbrenner, who would pass away a year later.
It is also worth noting that modern-era World Series rings are not prevalent in the secondary market as many of today’s highly paid players do not have an economic incentive to part with them. Rings like this, similar to the ones presented to the players, make for a prized possession among collectors. The original "NY WORLD CHAMPIONS 2009" presentation box is also included and the ring comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (V12442).