This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/30/2005.
As the 20th century came to a close, it was appropriate that the team that had defined baseball for the last 100 years should once again compete in the World Series, their 36th fall classic. 1999 was a year that saw the Yankees sweep the Rangers in the ALDS and defeat the Red Sox 4-1 in the ALCS for a total of 125 wins that season, more than any other team in history and surpassing the record they had set the previous year. The Yankees convincingly swept the Braves in the World Series for their second in a row; they would win four of five between 1996-2000. This 14K ring measures a size 13 1/2 and is made by Balfour, who have manufactured every one of the Yankees World Series rings. It is the only known 1999 World Series ring to have ever been available to the public. The ring features a large gold diamond encrusted "NY" in the center over a diamond chip platform. This is surrounded by a second tier of diamond chips with "19" and "99" in raised gold letters on each side. On the right shank is a raised gold Yankees top hat logo with banner that reads "The Century's Team." Below that is a rendition of a portion of the famous Yankee Stadium facade with "25th World Championship" banner. On the left shank is the name "Pepitone" in large raised gold letters, above a rendition of the World Series trophy with "25th" in the center. Beneath this is a raised "Tradition" above the chevron. Inside the ring is stamped "Balfour, 14K." Ring shows light wear and is in NRMT condition. Also included is the original 7 3/4" x 6" wood presentation box that the ring was given in; the glass top reads "New York Yankees, 1999 World Champions." Box is in NRMT condition.