News of July 26, 2023
Tupac's Crown Ring Brings in Over a Million Dollars
Auctioned for $1.016 million: How Tupac's self-designed crown ring became the most expensive hip-hop artifact of all time at Sotheby's.
Estimated at $200,000 to $300,000, the hammer came down at $1,016,000: At Sotheby’s hip-hop auction in New York on July 26, 2023, Tupac’s crown ring fetched more than triple its estimate. According to Sotheby’s, it is the most expensive hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction and the first to pass one million dollars. The entire auction brought in around $1.8 million.
Self-Coronation After Prison
The ring was consigned by his godmother and adviser Yaasmyn Fula. She said that after prison and signing with Death Row Records, Tupac wanted a piece of jewelry that marked the next chapter of his career: “an act of self-coronation.” The gold crown sits on top, set with a ruby between two diamonds.
For Kidada Jones, Worn at the VMAs
On the band, the ring of gold, ruby, and diamonds bears the engraving “Pac & Dada 1996.” “Dada” refers to Kidada Jones, to whom Tupac was engaged. Tupac wore it at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 1996, a few days before the shooting.