In 2011, a number of items were stolen from the home of former Georgia head coach and athletic director Vince Dooley.

Among the stolen items were a handful of Dooley’s SEC and national championship rings. But one of those rings in particular had a special meaning in Dooley’s life, and that ring was recovered last week at Athens Pawn Shop near the UGA campus.

According to Athens Online, the ring was sold to the pawn shop by Gloria Wright of Watkinsville, Ga., for $400. It was recovered by officer Gene Davis — who also investigated the initial theft on Dooley’s property four years ago — thanks to a program called Leads Online that helps police track stolen items.

This particular ring honored Auburn’s 1957 SEC and national championship team, on which Dooley served as an assistant coach. The team finished the season 10-0 and earned the No. 1 ranking in the final Associated Press poll despite forfeiting a bowl bid due to a probation.

Per Athens Online, however, this ring had far more meaning than a national championship. After 25 years of marriage, Dooley bought his wife a new wedding ring and placed the diamond from the old ring in his 1957 national title ring.

Dooley’s initials “V.J.D.” were inscribed in the ring, making it easy for police to identify. Dooley had forfeited the ring was gone forever, and was grateful to have recovered it.

“I take my hat off to the detective, Gene, who stayed on that for me for years,” Dooley told Athens Online. “… It was a real surprise because I didn’t think it was ever going to show up. I wish we could locate the couple others. I guess I’ve been inspired there’s a possibility.”