If you’re a fan of antiquing, then you’re probably a huge fan of Pawn Stars. The items that pass through the Harrison’s family run pawn shop are incredible. We composed a list of objects people found in odd places and made some serious cash. So, sit back, read this list and then maybe search your own house and call up a financial advisor!
1715 Spanish Fleet Gold Coin
First up, we have someone who never could have guessed the value of her item. Jody thought her gold coin, which she had inherited, might have some value. However, once the pawn shop appraised it at $18,000, she could not believe her luck! This coin was minted in Peru. Actually, it dated all the way back to 1715!
1715 Spanish Fleet Gold Coin
Vic Flick’s Fender Strat
Maybe you’re not completely sure who the legendary Vic Flick is and that’s okay. Let’s remind you of his most famous guitar riff. He played the guitar riff for the James Bond theme song. Thus, when someone brought in his 1961 Fender Stratocaster Guitar, the crew knew this could be huge. Believe it or not, they sold the guitar for a whopping $55,000! We sure hope this seller got a financial advisor after hearing the great news!
Vic Flick’s Fender Strat
President JFK’s Humidor
Most times, the people walk in without realizing how much their item is worth. However, this man knew his item would be worth quite a bit. I mean he walked in with a personal cigar box from former President John F. Kennedy! Initially he requested $95,000. They got him down to $60,000. However, pawn shop co-owner Rick has some tricks up his sleeve. Rick knew another JFK humidor sold for an impressive $575,000 back in 1996 at Sotheby’s. Thus, making this item one of the most valuable items in the pawn shop.
President JFK’s Humidor
The Famous Edward Curtis Photogravures
Luckily, Rick learned that these prints were worth well over the $50 the woman asked for initially. While us average people may not know Edward Curtis, the experts sure do! These old photogravures, which are photos produced from etching images into a copper plate before using gelatin to make an intaglio print, are collector’s items. Thus, Rick sold them for $20,000!
The Famous Edward Curtis Photogravures
GT Mustang
When a collector came in with one of the 150 limited edition Ford GT Mustangs, the stakes were high. Actually, Hertz rental cars had teamed with Roger Penske, an entrepreneur, to make these special cars in 2013. The pawn shop could not resist such a rarity. They paid $60,000 for the Mustang!
GT Mustang
Olympic Medals
It’s not just about money and deception with this pawn shop. Turns out Rick has a soft spot too. Back in the 90s, former Olympian ‘Jumpin’ Joe Greene needed to pawn his bronze medals for extra money. Back then, Rick promised him he would keep them in his shop and not sell. True to his word, they sit in the shop today, valued at around $30,000! And friendship…priceless.
Olympic Medals
Garage Sale Find: Medallion
If you’re hoping to strike gold at a yard sale, this story may give you hope. Apparently, this guy paid 75 cents for this medal at a garage sale. Upon seeing the medallion, Rick guessed it could be sold for close to $6,000. Well, the expert proved Rick wrong when he dated the medallion to the Tsarist occupation in Poland. Hearing this, Rick was able to sell this Order of the White Eagle Medallion for an impressive $30,000!
Garage Sale Find: Medallion
Panama Canal Commemorative Coin
Next up, we have a unique story of a man’s request of the shop. This man came in knowing what he wanted, and that was a 1915 Panama Canal Commemorative Coin, aka Panama Pacific Octagonal $50 gold piece. Since he offered $70,000 for it, Rick went to one of the biggest coin auctions to find it for him. Luckily, he found two and sold one of them to this man for $67,500.
Panama Canal Commemorative Coin
Over 200 Pounds Of Pure Silver
If you’re a Pawn Stars junkie, you probably recall this incredible purchase. Especially, since it was one of the most expensive buys in the show’s history. Let’s get to the client’s story…he began investing in silver over 10 years prior. By the time he came into the shop, he acquired over 200 pounds! Smart move! Maybe I should ask him to be my financial advisor. Anyway, he sold it for an impressive $111,000. According to the family, the Harrisons want to melt the silver to create custom-minted coins with Old Man Harrison printed on them for $70 each. Not sure, I’m interested but hey, who knows, they could become the next collector’s item!
Over 200 Pounds Of Pure Silver
Custom Ford Roadster
Of course, at such mint condition and with only 450 miles, Rick found himself in a heated negotation. This 500-horsepower Custom Ford Roadster was from 1932! Rick finally agreed to a fair price of $68,250.
Custom Ford Roadster
Book Of Mormon
No, not South Park creators’ Broadway play, this is an authentic antique. When the 5th edition of the Book of Mormon crossed paths with the pawn shop, they had to have it. Actually, this was the final book printed during Mormon founder Joseph Smith’s life when it was printed in 1842. The appraisal said it was worth $40,000, but the Harrisons were able to pay just $24,000 for the book.
Book Of Mormon
Pure Spanish Gold Bar
Can you believe some guy found this in his own attic? Okay, that’s it, I’m searching my whole house tonight. Anyway, he thought it could be pure gold, but brought it in just to be sure. When the shop brought in an expert, they dated it to the 1554 Spanish shipwreck right off of Texas. The shop paid $35,000 for this historic gold bar. Turns out, it’s valued at up to $50,000!
Pure Spanish Gold Bar
One Lucky Poker Bet
I sure wish I could play poker after hearing this man’s story. He won a poker bet that left him with this valuable coin. At first, the man guessed the 1922 Proof Peace High Relief Dollar valued at $20,000. Upon appraisal, they found out this coin was one of 10 or 12 in the world. With that news, the value jumped to between $50,000 and $100,000! They settled and bought it from him for a fair $80,000. Maybe I should take up poker…
One Lucky Poker Bet
2001 Super Bowl Ring
Probably one of their more famous items, the shop acquired a 2001 Patriots Super Bowl ring for a reasonable $2,600. Well, it’s a lot more reasonable when you hear that similar rings have sold at auctions for up to $30,000!
2001 Super Bowl Ring
Stephen Stills’ Gibson
A guitar again? Well, the shop couldn’t help themselves upon hearing Crosby, Stills and Nash’s Stephen Stills owned it! Yes, this 1941 Gibson SJ-200 shot in value because of its famous former owner. The customer even had the bill of sale with Stills’ autograph. Thus, the shop settled for $85,000.
Stephen Stills’ Gibson
Lincoln Roadster
A mint condition 1932 Roadster…yeah, definitely worth something. Just how much you ask? Well considering it’s a 150-horsepower, V-12 engine classic car, the shop decided $95,000 was a fair price.
Lincoln Roadster
Gibson SG Les Paul Custom
Back to guitars again, sorry we had to with this amazing 1961 Gibson SG Custom. Firstly, we have to tell you Mary Ford owned the guitar originally and she’s the wife of Les Paul. Thus, this guitar had a part in many Paul and Ford top hits! Therefore, the owner requested $250,000, but settled for $90,000.
Gibson SG Les Paul Custom
Authentic Diamonds From Shady Character
Next up, is one of the craziest moments in the shop’s history. When a seller brought in diamonds, Rick was seemingly prepared. He asked for the receipt and where he got them, which the seller provided. Then Rick settled on $40,000 for the diamond earrings. Unfortunately, the day after, Rick found out his new purchase were obtained illegally, they were stolen diamonds! While the man was prosecuted, Rick sadly, lost his money. I guess that’s the risk a pawn shop owner takes daily.
Authentic Diamonds From Shady Character
No. 3 Gold Piece
If you haven’t caught on yet, old coins equal big bucks. As time goes on, their value only increases. Better in time, just like wine! Out of their coin collection, this piece is the shop’s most valuable. It’s a No. 3 gold piece from 1859 in mint condition, putting it’s value at $2,650.
No. 3 Gold Piece
Ancient Greek Didrachm
Now, if we’re talking oldest shop items, this next one definitely makes the top of the list. This Greek didrachm, which is equal to two drachmas, dates all the way back to 325 B.C. if you can believe it!
Ancient Greek Didrachm
Japanese “Entertainment”
When asked what the weirdest piece in the shop was, Rick did not hesitate to name this 250 year old artwork. Labeled as Japanese “Entertainment,” the erotic paintings are from the 16th Century. Erotic with clothes? Yes, in Japan nudity was not erotic since people often saw each other fully unclothed in bath houses. Anyway, this work was inspired by Chinese T’ang Dynasty erotic paintings.
Japanese Entertainment
Liquid Pistol
Besides coins and guitars, perhaps, guns are next on the most collected and valuable list. In particular, this liquid pistol sold for $2,500! In reality, it’s value could be much higher to a collector. The pistol was invented by Paul Giffard back in 1872 and afterwards, bought by a manufacturing company for one million dollars. It was so revolutionary since it did not need any gunpowder to shoot, and only around 100 still exist currently.
Liquid Pistol
Wayne’s World Car
Of course, we’re all familiar with the hilarious SNL skit turned movie, Wayne’s World. Despite being filmed in only 34 days, the movie made close to $200 million! In the film, perhaps you recall the 1976 AMC Pacer called the “Mirth Mobile.” Rick heard the famous vehicle was for sale in Florida, so he planned a trip. Though Rick paid $9,500, with some work it could reach a value of $15,000.
Wayne’s World Car
Watch Lighter
Back during the 20s, smoking cigarettes and carrying pocket watches were a sign of the times. One innovative company called Dunhill decided to create a combination of the two. Their watch lighter is now valued at a whopping $10,000!
Watch Lighter
Signed Dracula
This is not another crazy garage sale story. However, something unexpected did happen to this lucky auction participant. This man bought an old edition of Dracula by Bram Stoker. Upon buying it, he found the author’s very own signature within the pages. Upon confirming its authenticity, they valued the old book at $4,000. The shop agreed to pay $2,350 for the book. Not too bad.
Signed Dracula
Congolese Beheading Sword
Spooky, huh? Well, I guess you shouldn’t expect much else from a beheading sword, which was made to be horrifying. A chief from the African Congo used this back in the mid 1800s to scare his enemies. Of course, it was also used to behead those unfortunate enemies.
Congolese Beheading Sword
Dinosaur Eggs
Maybe you thought someone as wild as a dinosaur egg could be worth millions. However, when a lady came in bearing two of these fossilized eggs, Rick wanted them but for a fair price. The two eggs in question came from a duck billed dinosaur and at one time were very valuable. More recently, many others have been found so the value is lower. Rick bought the two for $500 and plans to sell them for $1,200.
Dinosaur Eggs
J. Howard McGrath Identity Card
The scandal behind former US General Attorney J. Howard McGrath definitely increased the value of this item. Back in 1949, President Truman appointed McGrath to the position. Mysteriously, McGrath resigned in 1952, three years after, because he refused to cooperate in the federal corruption investigation of his department. His old secret service ID card somehow stayed in pristine condition. With the ID, there was a counterfeit bill, adding to the intrigue, which was signed by a few of his friends.
J. Howard McGrath Identity Card
Civil War Pistol
When an artillery expert was called into the shop one day, he brought something of his own to pawn. This expert brought in a pistol used by an African American Civil War soldier. A lot of personal details from the late soldier were carved into the pistol, like his unit number and name. With an expert offering such a unique piece, the shop could not resist and paid $6,000.
Civil War Pistol
D.B. Cooper $20 Bill
Who knew a $20 bill could reach a value of $1,600. Well, considering the former owner, that’s no surprise. Back in 1971, an infamous man named D.B. Cooper went down in history. Cooper hijacked a Boeing 727 before jumping from the plane while it was still flying. He had over $100,000 on him at the time, but no one discovered his whereabouts and assumed he perished from his jump. Into the shop, walked a man claiming to have a bit of a bill from Cooper’s hijacking and there you have one of the most valuable $20 bills.
D.B. Cooper $20 Bill
Paul Revere Silver Spoon
Surely, we all learned about “Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride” back in grammar school. Revere road around on his horse to warn the colonies that the British were on their way back in April 1775. Thus, becoming a Revolutionary hero. However, we cannot forget that besides being a war legend, he was a practiced silversmith. When someone brought in a spoon he made, experts valued it between $12,000 to $18,000. The shop negotiated and paid $9,500 for Revere’s spoon.
Paul Revere Silver Spoon
The 17th Century Bell
Can you believe this woman almost put this bell out for sale on her lawn? Good thing she decided to have our favorite pawn shop look at it first. Turns out this bell came from a ship dating back to 1602. Therefore, experts priced it at $15,000!
The 17th Century Bell
Grammy Award
Who wouldn’t want a Grammy if they could have one? Rick sure wanted one for his shop! Someone brought in the Grammy for the 1970s song “Patches” written by Ronald Dunbar & General Johnson. In fact, it’s a great R&B song that if you don’t know, you should check out. Anyway, Rick bought the music award for $2,350.
Grammy Award
Super Mario Bros. Statue
What’s more classic than the original Mario Bros? Back in 1983, the first Mario Bros. Nintendo game came out. Can you believe that in total more than 40 million copies of Mario Bros. have been sold? Anyhow, when a giant Mario statue was brought it, the shop didn’t want to let go of this classic item. The statue was meant for display in arcades, but the seller got it as a prize for a Mario Kart competition. He sold it to the shop for $550. Experts believe it could be worth between $1,000 and $1,200.
Super Mario Bros. Statue
First Playboy Issue
Naturally, the first ever issue of world famous Playboy featured Marilyn Monroe. Back then they called it “Sweetheart of the Month” before they used Playmate of the Month. From only 54,000 copies of that first issue, to making Hugh Hefner a legendary icon. Anyway, this issue is valued at $2,700 if in mint condition. The shop paid $1,400 for the magazine.
First Playboy Issue
Death Clock
Of course, one may realize a clock dating back to the 1800s could be worth something. However, would you guess this clock was priced at $10,000? Apparently it got the nickname death clock since the people that built these time pieces died young due to their process of pressing mercury into the clock’s brass finish. Then, they cooked the final product in an oven, while exposing themselves to deadly mercury flames due to lack of ventilation. Luckily, this clock making process stopped in the 1830s.
Death Clock
WWII Tank Scope
Brought into the shop in 2011, this World War II Tank Scope dates to 1942. With such history to it, the large price tag of $2,500 is no surprise. Makes me wonder what old war artifacts we have in our house from my grandfather. Yeah, I should check on that.
WWII Tank Scope
Edward Maynard Rifle
Another Civil War artifact, this rifle was manufactured by Maynard. Though Maynard rifles were popular during the Civil War, this one was actually distributed after the war in 19=873. The shop listed it for $2,500!
Edward Maynard Rifle
Horse Tricycle
So the lesson from this is to always check before throwing another silly tricycle onto your yard for sale. The seller who brought this into the shop said she bought it at a flea market. The 1930s toy turned out to go for $500! Definitely worth a lot more than she paid!
Horse Tricycle
No Deal For Houdini Straitjacket
This amazing jacket used by the famous Harry Houdini sold in November 2011 in London for $46,980. Well, it’s a shame the Pawn Stars star Rick Harrison could not seal the deal. His offer of $25,000 did not quite satisfy the seller. Thus, Rick missed out on this authentic Houdini jacket!
No Deal For Houdini Straitjacket
1862 Three-Cent Postage Stamp
The story how this seller got a 3 cent Washington 1862 Civil War postafe stamp encased in a coin shaped holder is amazing. Turns out, he received it from an antique shop owner after he found it in the register and she agreed to give it to him. This lucky man walked away with $2,300!
1862 Three Cent Postage Stamp
Rock-Ola Horse Machine
Surely, not simply a toy, this novelty is not an actual working gumball machine or even true gambling machine. Thus, adding to its value as an Antique gaming machine. It’s one of the first slot machines actually that was popular across the US, made from 1935 to 1945. The shop recently sold it for $5,000!
Rock-Ola Horse Machine
1838 Gobrecht Dollar PF 61
With less than 30 in the world, this 1838 Gobrecht Dollar is a rare find. The Gobrecht in question shows stars on fields and then on the other side, an eagle in flight. Since this coin is a proof, it was labele as PF 61. It’s hard to put a price on such a treasure, but the shop recently sold it for $32,000.
1838 Gobrecht Dollar PF 61
Muhammad Ali Handwritten Poems
Who knew the famous boxer had such a way with words? Apparently, just before a match he gave his trash talk a poetic flavor with lines like, “I got speed and endurance. You’d better increase your insurance.” Anyway, the shop recently sold these handwritten poems that are signed and dated by Ali himself just before his fight against Jurgen Blin on December 26, 1971 in Zurich. It went for $14,000!
Muhammad Ali Handwritten Poems
Model T Spark Plug Igniter
Experts on the show estimated this rare find fates to the early 1920s. In fact this Model T was brought in working condition, which increased its value. The selling price was $75. Again, a great reminder to not just chuck old ‘junk’ in the trash before inquiring!
Model T Spark Plug Igniter