The Most Expensive Items Ever Purchased on History Channel‘s Hit Show Pawn Stars

Pawn Stars offers viewers a captivating look inside the world of pawn shops, following the Harrison family behind the counters of Las Vegas‘ Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. While the shop sees its fair share of common items, the Harrison‘s have an astute eye for recognizing buried treasures amongst the mundane. Some truly remarkable artifacts with price tags in the millions have passed through their doors. Let‘s explore some of the most mind-blowing, expensive purchases made on Pawn Stars.

Understanding the Rare Coin and Antique Market

Before highlighting the specific million dollar items, it helps to understand what characteristics make coins, art, artifacts, and antiques so valuable on the collectors market:

• Provenance – a clear line of ownership from the creator or original owner. Verifiable provenance exponentially increases value.

• Rarity – lower mintage numbers or fewer surviving examples means higher value. Unique one-of-a-kind items are most coveted.

• Condition – items showing minimal wear, tarnish, or damage in "fine," "very fine," or pristine condition fetch premium prices. Restoration decreases value.

• Historical significance – association with famous figures or events makes pieces more desirable.

• Quality craftsmanship – skill, materials, artistic merit, and beauty impact price.

• Authenticity – rigorous authentication by multiple experts verifies legitimacy and value.

Understanding these dynamics helps explain why the following pieces commanded such astronomical prices for the Pawn Stars shop.

The Greatest Treasures Bought and Sold on Pawn Stars

1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny – $200,000

Misprinted in copper instead of zinc-coated steel during WWII metal shortages, only an estimated 15-20 of these 1943 Lincoln pennies exist. The coin‘s enigmatic origins and flawless condition made it highly coveted.

2001 New England Patriots Super Bowl Ring – $155,000

Owner by defensive tackle Brock Williams, this massive 14 karat gold and diamond encrusted ring marked the Patriots first Super Bowl victory. Rick Harrison negotiated the record-setting purchase from the player himself.

1715 Spanish Fleet Coin – $30,000

This exceedingly scarce gold "Tricentennial Royal" coin was minted from treasure recovered from a legendary 1715 Spanish fleet shipwreck. It was one of only 7 confirmed specimens remaining. Stunningly well preserved, the coin bore almost no wear.

Double Eagle $20 Gold Piece – $110,000

Considered America‘s most beautiful coin, the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle $20 gold piece had a tiny mintage of just 12,000. The coin purchased by Rick boasted a flawless "deep mirror proof finish."

1862 Civil War Cavalry Saber – $40,000

Unearthed in a Virginia barn, this extremely rare saber was specially designed for Union General George McClellan‘s cavalry forces. The expertly forged, battle-ready blade remained untarnished despite its age.

1958 Gibson Explorer Guitar – $75,000

This Gibson "korina wood" Explorer was one of only 6 ever built in ‘58. Values skyrocketed after the original design was reissued in the 1970s. Complete with case and accessories, the guitar was in phenomenal condition.

1892 Colt Single Action Army Revolver – $40,000

Known as the "Gun that Won the West," only about 36,000 of these original Colt "Peacemaker" revolvers were manufactured in the 19th century. The pristine example acquired by Rick showed almost no signs of use.

First Edition Book of Mormon – $40,000

Published in 1830, this first edition was incredibly rare with only 5,000 copies originally printed. The seller‘s copy included over 80% of the original book cover – a true rarity. The provenance was ironclad.

1861 Civil War Bond – $35,000

These bonds funded the Union war effort. Widely discarded after the war, few remain. Rick‘s example bore a low serial number (#60) and the treasurer‘s bold signature. It was older than the Confederate government itself.

$500 Bill – $30,000

One of the largest US currency denominations ever circulated, only about 160 of the very first $500 bills from 1928 bear the bold "gold certificate" text. The crisp bill still sported its original sheen and vibrant ink color.

As Pawn Stars continues enjoying huge popularity worldwide, even more rare and valuable items will likely pass through the doors of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. For history buffs, collectors, and antiques dealers alike, it‘s incredibly exciting to watch the Harrison family scrutinize each item and negotiate their way to deals on truly unique pieces worth fortunes. The rarer the artifact, the more irresistible the drama!