"Hip-Hop Legends": auction offers Tupac's ring and mug shot

An original mug shot and a letter from prison: in early March 2023, the auction house Gotta Have Rock and Roll offered nearly 100 pieces of rap history in its “Hip-Hop Legends” sale, from posters and T-shirts to jewelry and hats.

A bandana and mail from prison

Items from Tupac’s orbit included his red bandana, a handwritten letter to his girlfriend written in prison, promotional posters, gold chains, a Versace bracelet and his original mug shot.

The ring from “All About U”

The priciest lot was the “M.O.B.” pinky ring Tupac wore in the video for “All About U.” The opening bid was $10,000; on March 1, Vibe reported a top bid of $26,000. Signed items from other deceased rappers were also on offer, among them The Notorious B.I.G., Aaliyah, Big Pun, Eazy-E, DMX and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

In hip-hop’s 50th-anniversary year, the Sotheby’s sale followed in July, where Tupac’s crown ring fetched more than a million dollars.