2022 SPRING PREMIER AUCTION

The mid-1980s brought much collector interest in the living members of baseball’s most exclusive group: the 500 Home Run Club. Countless autograph signings featuring the living members were organized and commemorative paintings and prints were commissioned for collectors. Of the tribute pieces of memorabilia produced during this time, none was as exclusive nor as extravagant as the 500 Home Run Club 14K Gold Ring. Limited to just 20 examples, the face of this impressive piece of sports jewelry features a diamond-studded “500” crown set upon a black stone encircled by “FIVE HUNDRED HOME RUN CLUB” in raised letters. One shank of the ring has “NATIONAL LEAGUE” in raised letters with banners that list the NLer’s, and their home run totals: "Aaron 755 - Mays 660 - Mathews 512 - Banks 512 - Ott 511 - McCovey 521” above a “500 CLUB” banner and crossed bats. One banner is left blank – later versions of this ring can be found with Mike Schmidt’s name engraved on it, but as of April 17, 1987, he had not reached the magic 500 home run number which is what adds to the rarity of this ring. The first with regards to many of the other items that would come out in the 1980’s-90’s detailing the “original eleven” for the coveted 500 Home Run Club. The other shank reads “AMERICAN LEAGUE” in raised letters above bats engraved with the ALer’s with their home run totals: "Williams 521 - Mantle 536 - Robinson 586 - Babe Ruth 714 - Killebrew 573 - Foxx 534 - Jackson (no number as he was still active)” above a “500 CLUB” banner. The inside has the Balfour hallmark and is engraved with “20 OF 20.” The ring shows light wear in overall outstanding condition with the raised letters remaining sharp and the engraving crisp. A real unique piece that plays tribute to the greatest home run heroes as they stood in the 1980s. The ring is accompanied by the original Balfour case.