An array of items from basketball star Michael Jordan's illustrious career will be highlighted by a ring the star designed for his relatives following his first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls.
 Few rings of this type are likely to appear on the market in the near future |
The June 30 auction will see the item share its title of top lot with another Jordan-designed ring, this time in celebration of the Bulls' 1995/1996 championship.
After being picked to play for the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft, Michael Jordan quickly became a fan favourite, averaging 28.2 points per game in his first season alone. Now hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time, he secured six NBA championships for the Bulls and was named NBA Most Valuable Player five times during his career.
For each of the six times that the Chicago Bulls won the NBA championship, Jordan would design a ring which was then gifted to his closest family and friends. This example hails from the 1990-1991 championship and features an engraved plaque which reads: "Christmas 1991 Juanita & Michael", along with the original Michael Jordan wrapping paper.
The 14k gold ring features the iconic Chicago Bulls logo, with "Chicago Bulls - World Champions" carved around the outside. A circle of diamonds surrounds the logo, while the inside is engraved with "Thanks MJ" and a picture of the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy.
The auction house has set a $7,000-10,000 estimate for the ring. Considering only a few examples were made for each championship and the personal nature of the gift, not many of the rings are likely to appear on the market in the near future. This sale, therefore, provides a rare opportunity for collectors to own a unique piece of the star's unrivalled legacy.
Also featuring in the auction will be an autographed baseball bat and baseball from Jordan's famous stint as a minor league player with the Chicago White Sox. Both items have been given a puzzling $50-10,000 estimate, with the auction house obviously unsure as to how popular the items will be with basketball fans.
The current world record for Michael Jordan memorabilia stands at $294,000, achieved by a signed basketball from the star that had also been signed by Michael Jackson, following 1992's Jam music video.
Sports stars that excel in their field capture the hearts of the public across the globe and their legacies can provide superb investments after their careers have ended.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering an official PGA tour baseball cap, autographed by Tiger Woods. See more of our superb sports collectibles here.
