The many painful hours in the weight room, labor-intensive drills during the heat of summer, and the anxiety and mental preparation - these are all investments with one goal in mind - a Super Bowl title. While 30-some teams begin the year with visions of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, only one squad can boast that it won the final game of the season, and be lauded "champions." The ultimate celebration is savored by a united team, but the elements of a champion roster are comprised of individual players - each in their own contribution solemnly reflective of their personal dedication and sacrifice to claim the laurels.

For each of those celebrants, the foremost symbol of that final conquest is the Super Bowl ring. By virtue of its portability as a personal accessory, it becomes a statement, for all to witness, that re-defines any athlete who has earned that station of gridiron supremacy. True, a Super Bowl ring from any of those many seasons is necessarily conspicuous - but after all, for Super Bowl champions, there's no rationale for public modesty.

One such treasure is now available - specifically, Earl Cooper's ring from Super Bowl XVI. This is the original ring that was awarded to Cooper (and it includes the original presentation box). Cooper was a running back who shifted to tight end in the middle of his career. His defining moment came in Super Bowl XVI when he hauled in Joe Montana's first-ever Super Bowl touchdown pass. According to the independent appraisal report, this 10K yellow gold Balfour ring has a gold weight of 39.6 grams. Centered on the face is a .80 carat diamond surrounded by 16 round full-cut diamonds (one is chipped). The total diamond weight is 2.00 carats. Embossed around the face is prominently announced "SAN FRANCISCO" (above) and "WORLD CHAMPIONS" (beneath). One shank features "Super Bowl XVI" and proclaims the score "26-21." The opposite is embossed "COOPER" and "49ers" (along with the image of the helmet logo). Also included is the original, corresponding brass presentation box (about VG/EX). Measuring 3" x 4 1/4" x 2" deep, this hinged jewelry box is stylized (top and bottom and internally) in 49er-red velvet (partially disengaged). The [size] "12 1/2" ring is marked "10K" and "Balfour" in the shank.

The provenance supporting this gem is assured by Earl Cooper who provides his handwritten testament: "Offered is my original Super Bowl Ring given to me by the San Francisco 49ers after defeating the Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. This also come [sic] with the original box. [signed] Earl Cooper." And for conclusive support, we note that this ring evidences distinct indications of wear. Aside from the aforementioned chipped diamond (one of the 16 embellishing stones on the face), the metallic surfaces of this piece show signs of long-term, but unabused wear.

Authentication