The NBA is celebrating 75 years since its inception, and we are using this opportunity to compare the very first championship ring (1947) and the most recent (2021).
The 1947 championship ring could be worth a lot based on its significance, being the first ring the NBA gave out. However, the value of the material used will not help in valuing this memorabilia.
A user on Reddit (WaterCityBuffallo) posed the question on the going rate of the 1947 Philadelphia Warriors ring and proceeded to answer. In response to another user who said it was priceless, he said:
“Everything has a price.
When it comes to jewelry, being old does not automatically make something valuable. The most valuable NBA ring on earth right now is Kawhi Leonard’s ring from this year. Rings gain value from; the value of the material used to make it, the memorability of the championship, the fame of the player it belonged to.
WaterCityBuffallow added:
In this case, the ring is made out of a very small amount of gold and one diamond, the championship is only relevant due to it being the first championship (against a team that no longer exists) and the only hall of Famer was Joe Fulk (while some people on this sub could probably name players from this roster, the vast majority of NBA fans couldn’t.) I found that one of these rings would likely be worth around $5,000. Joe Fulk’s would be the most valuable, but would only be worth at most $20,000.
Although this might be disappointing figures considering the history the ring holds, the materials used do not make it a sought-after treasure.
However, the 2021 NBA Milwaukee Bucks championship ring is a beauty to behold. The ring doubles as a necklace, as the top part which is comprised of 360 diamonds and 65.3% pure gold holds the Bucks logo and carries the inscription “World Champions.”
Although the ring is filled with several precious stones, no one can categorically state the value as the cost of production was not disclosed. Meanwhile, the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers championship is estimated to be worth over $20,000.
Fans got in the conversation and had their say on which they would rather have.
fleckscott: I think the one on the left is more valuable by now so…
willy_gdz: The warrior One cost ten Times the Milwaukee one
freedat25: Bucks ring then I’ll sell it
nolimit__nglizzy: 2021
ashleygraj: Left. Classic.
chewbacah_and_friends: The left for sure
kds_iii: The Warriors one
loganbremer_: One on the left probably way more valuable
jmanporty7: A single ring from 1947 is probably worth more than the all every single player’s last in the 10 years combined.
tim.love08: I ain’t selling either one and I’ll take the bucks one coz dat’s my team
blxkeazy9: The older one cause it would be worth more money
_dylan.ashley_: The og ring worth a crazy amount probably it prolly makes the newest one look cheap
adashu: That warriors one looks like if you unwrap it there’s chocolate underneath.
As expected, many opted for the 1947 championship ring, believing it might hold more value. While there is undoubtedly a sentimental value to owning the first-ever NBA championship ring, those looking for material worth are likely to get more benefit from the 2021 championship ring.
