1965 World Championship Ring (white gold)

The Packers' 1965 World Championship is often an afterthought, overshadowed by the two Super Bowl victories which followed it. It was the team's ninth crown, Lombardi's third, and the first of the Packers' second three-peat (the first being 1929-31), a feat so rare no other team has ever accomplished it even once.

This 1965 championship ring, issued to scout Lewis Anderson, was auctioned off by Sotheby's in New York City in April of 2008. It's different than the other Packer championship rings I've seen in that it's made out of 10K white gold, instead of yellow.

The face features a green stone, similar to the Super Bowl II ring, overlaid with a football shape and topped by a diamond.

Sotheby's

This is something else I've never seen on a Packers ring: Lambeau Field, recently renamed from City Stadium (or "New City Stadium," to differentiate it from the Packers' previous home). It's a unique touch, fitting for a team which has become so identified with their home park. If the Packers are to commission a shareholders' ring for Super Bowl XLV, including the distinctive post-renovation Lambeau Field would be a great way to honor the diehard fanbase.

Sotheby's

The other shank features the NFL shield, Dad Braisher's "G" logo, and the scoreline of the championship game.

Sotheby's

From the auction catalogue:

LOT 64

SCOUT/RECRUITER LEW ANDERSON'S 1965 GREEN BAY PACKERS NFL 10K GOLD AND DIAMOND CHAMPIONSHIP RING

15,000—20,000 USD
Lot Sold. Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: 9,375 USD

Description

Anderson's ring is embossed "World Champions Green Bay Packers 1965" around a Packer green synthetic stone, with one diamond, set in a white metal bezel, approximate total .68 carats, embossed on one side reads "Anderson" and "character" and on the other "Green Bay 23 Cleveland - 12, NFL, Dedication"; stamped "10K" inside. Former longtime Giants kicker Don Chandler joined the team in 1965, taking over field goal and extra point duties from Paul Hornung. He proved a valuable addition, as the Packers had to play a Western Conference tie-breaking play off game against the Baltimore Colts, winning 13-10 on Chandler's overtime field goal. Making their first appearance in the NFL title game in three years, the Packers held the home field advantage against the defending NFL champion Cleveland Browns (11-3), as the game was played at Lambeau Field. At halftime the Packers held a slim 13-12 lead, but scored all the points in the second half on a Hornung touchdown and Chandler's third field goal. With the victory the Packers won their ninth overall NFL title, sixth in the championship game era. The ring shows minor wear. Size 11 1/2.

The 1965 Championship Game saw the Cleveland Browns, reigning champs , come to Lambeau Field for a bruising contest in the Northern Wisconsin snow, sleet and mud. These scans from Sports Illustrated tell the story:

Packerville, U.S.A.

The Packers trailed in the game only once, by two points at the end of the first quarter. And when the final gun sounded, the hometown Packers had won 23-12. The reigning NFL champs had been defeated and Lombardi's dynasty was in full swing.