Grammy-winning rapper Drake purchased Tupac Shakur’s self-designed “crown” ring when it was auctioned by Sotheby’s on July 25.
The final price was $1.01 million—more than triple the high end of its estimate of $300,000. It now stands as the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction.
The purchase was revealed by Drake in a story on Instagram, and was later confirmed by Sotheby’s.
“We’re thrilled that this exceptional piece has entered a new chapter in the hands of another legendary artist,” said Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, in a statement.
Shakur wore the gold, diamond, and ruby crown ring at his last public appearance, at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996. It was inscribed with “Pac & Dada 1996,” a reference to his engagement to Kidada Jones.
The ring was put up for sale by Yaasmyn Fula, Tupac’s godmother and trusted adviser.
(Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)
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