LONDON, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Two iconic pieces of memorabilia once owned by Elvis Presley, the American regarded as the world's "King of Rock and Roll", sold at an auction in England for 81,700 U.S. dollars.

A gold ring, shaped like the head of lion, with diamonds for eyes, sold for 44,500 U.S. dollars while the first Las Vegas contract signed by Presley in 1956 went for 37,200 U.S. dollars on Saturday. Both were bought by collectors in the U.S.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge from Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, described the two items as "fantastic pieces of iconic showbiz memorabilia".

The auctioneer said the famous lion head ring worn in 1972 by Presley at his home, Graceland 1972, is stamped 14k gold.

"Elvis was always attracted to the Lion symbolically as it was the "King Of The Beasts" and regarded as the symbol of strength," said the auction catalogue.

Presley's historical first Las Vegas contract, hand signed twice by the singer, for his first 30 appearances/shows in Las Vegas in 1956 also attracted world wide attention from collectors.

Presley, an American singer and actor, died in 1977.