Pawn Stars has seen some truly mind-blowing items come through the doors of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. From ultra-rare historical artifacts to one-of-a-kind collectibles, the show has featured some of the most expensive sales in pawn shop history. Here‘s a definitive look at the million dollar items sold on Pawn Stars:
1. 2001 New England Patriots Super Bowl Ring – $660,000
The priciest item sold on Pawn Stars was a dazzling 2001 Super Bowl ring from the New England Patriots. Made of solid gold and encrusted with diamonds, it was purchased for a winning bid of $660,000 – the most Rick Harrison has ever shelled out for a single item. Only a limited number of these rings were made to be given to Patriots players and staff, making this a true one-of-a-kind memorabilia piece.
2. John F. Kennedy‘s Cigar Box – $60,000
A wooden cigar box originally owned by President John F. Kennedy sold for $60,000. The JFK Presidential Library and Museum confirmed its authenticity. The box included not only cigars but also paperwork from JFK‘s time in office. One amazing historical find!
3. 2001 Hertz Penske GT Mustang – $45,000
Rick bought this rare Ford Mustang prototype for $45,000. It was one of only two ever built by Hertz Penske Racing back in 2001. Originally made for a promotional giveaway, the high-performance Mustang still had only nine miles on it!
4. Ravenau Napa Valley Wine Collection – $375,000
A complete Ravenau wine vertical spanning decades sold for a staggering $375,000. This set included some of the rarest Cabernet Sauvignons in the world, direct from Napa Valley‘s top vineyards. It just shows fine wine is right up there with collectible art and artifacts.
5. Mathew Brady 1860s Silver Print Photos – $50,000 Each
Rick purchased five original 1860s silver print photos by famed Civil War photographer Mathew Brady. Each exceptionally rare portrait cost $50,000. These types of Brady prints are so fragile only a handful still exist, making them immensely valuable.
More Pawn Stars Sales Over $1 Million
Along with those highlights, here are a few more examples of the astronomical sales seen on Pawn Stars:
- $1.6 million – Three mint condition Austrian gold coins from 1915
- $1.1 million – Elephant bird egg, the largest egg to ever exist from the now-extinct elephant bird species
- $1 million – Copy of the first map identifying America from 1507
These sales really drive home why Pawn Stars is such a huge hit – you just never know what priceless piece of history might walk through those doors next. It combines the thrill of watching expert negotiators at work with the discovery of utterly unique artifacts and collectibles.
Big Ticket Sales Attract Deep-Pocketed Collectors
So how does a small, family-owned pawn shop in Las Vegas attract such astronomically priced items? There are a few key factors:
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Pawn Stars‘ celebrity draws high-end collectors looking to sell precious items. They know Rick can pay top dollar.
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The shop‘s reputation for fairness and honesty puts sellers at ease for critical sales.
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Rick‘s 30+ years of experience ensures every item is properly authenticated and vetted.
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For rare finds like the Super Bowl ring, rival buyers engage in bidding wars that drive up the final price.
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prime time TV exposure generates hype around these sales that makes them even more valuable.
Of course, it also comes down to Rick Harrison‘s incredible eye for spotting unique items with little-known value. But the shop‘s sterling reputation is key – million dollar sellers need to know they can trust the Pawn Stars with their prized posessions.
Rick‘s Biggest Regret: Turning Down a Stradivarius Violin
Out of all his years in the pawn business, Rick‘s biggest regret was turning down a chance to buy a Stradivarius violin, the most renowned and coveted string instruments in the world.
In the 1980s, a man came into his shop trying to pawn a centuries-old violin for $50,000. Rick declined, thinking that was too expensive for a pawn shop. Later he found out it was likely a genuine 300 year old Stradivarius, worth millions.
"That‘s one I still kick myself over," Rick lamented. It just shows that running a pawn shop means having to make tough calls on valuable items. And sometimes, you miss out on something truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Chumlee Scores Too – With Classic Cars
Chumlee has also made some epic purchases, but he spends big on his true passion – cars. Chumlee owns over 100 vehicles, including:
- A $100,000 Rolls Royce Champagne Edition
- A $90,000 1958 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe Deville
- A $65,000 1965 Buick Riviera
- A $55,000 1964 Impala SS Convertible
"I‘ve always loved collecting cars," Chumlee said. "Even if I couldn‘t drive them, I wanted them in my collection."
While not as famous as historical artifacts, Chumlee‘s car collection is still valued at over $1 million total. He keeps his pristine vehicles in a custom garage next to the shop.
The Value Goes Beyond Dollars
At the end of the day, the monetary value of these items only tells part of the story. The true worth comes from their historical significance and nostalgic wonder, connecting the present day to another place and time.
That‘s why Pawn Stars has such broad appeal. It taps into our fascination with rare artifacts, while also telling the little-known histories behind them. And along the way, you just might see Rick shell out $660,000 for a piece of sports history, or catch Chumlee gushing over a vintage hot rod. That‘s the magic of the Pawn Stars!
