1. The Gutenberg Bible
The Gutenberg Bible is often considered the holy grail of rare books. The show featured an extremely valuable copy of this early printed Bible. Why is it so rare? Well, this was one of the first major books printed using movable type around 1455, marking a monumental shift in how books were produced. Only a few complete copies still exist, making it a priceless artifact of both history and technology.
2. The First Folio of William Shakespeare
In a memorable episode, a seller brought in a first folio edition of Shakespeare’s works from 1623. This book is incredibly rare because it contains 36 of Shakespeare’s plays, some of which may have been lost to time if not for this publication. Only about 230 copies are known to survive today, and they can fetch millions at auction.
3. A Copy of “The Birds of America” by John James Audubon
When a seller brought in a copy of The Birds of America by John James Audubon, it immediately captured the attention of Rick and the crew. Audubon’s work is considered one of the greatest ornithological books ever published, and the copies are prized for their incredible hand-colored illustrations. With only 120 surviving complete sets, it’s no surprise this book is highly sought after by collectors.
4. The Bay Psalm Book
In one of the more dramatic moments on Pawn Stars, a seller brought in a 1640 edition of The Bay Psalm Book. This was the first book ever printed in what is now the United States. With only 11 known copies remaining, this book’s rarity is amplified by its historical significance—it represents a major piece of early American history and literature.
5. The Declaration of Independence (Printed Book Version)
While not exactly a book in the traditional sense, a printed version of the Declaration of Independence was brought to the shop, making it one of the rarest items ever featured on the show. This rare printing is noteworthy because it was one of the first public printings of the Declaration and is extremely valuable due to its historical importance.
6. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” First Edition
A first edition of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn made its way into the pawnshop, and this classic was recognized for both its literary and rarity value. What makes this edition particularly valuable is the presence of a misprint on the title page. Mark Twain’s humor and historical significance make this an iconic American book, and finding an original is quite rare.
7. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe (First Edition)
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven has captivated readers for generations. A first edition of Poe’s most famous poem made its appearance on the show, sparking serious interest due to its rarity. First editions of this poem, originally published in 1845, are incredibly difficult to come by because only a small number were printed in the first place. Their value is tied to the poem’s cultural impact and Poe’s enduring legacy.
8. “Moby-Dick” First Edition
Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is another literary classic whose first edition is highly coveted. A first edition of this 1851 novel appeared on the show, causing quite a stir among collectors. The book’s rarity stems from the fact that Melville’s work initially received little attention upon its release, making first editions rare and highly valued today due to the novel’s posthumous rise to literary greatness.
9. “The Great Gatsby” First Edition
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby has been a cornerstone of American literature since its release in 1925. A first edition of this masterpiece appeared on Pawn Stars, and its rarity is due to the fact that the book’s initial printing was small, and many copies were poorly preserved over the years. Additionally, the book’s significance in American literary history has only grown, making it a rare and valuable find for collectors.
10. “The Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin (First Edition)
Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species is one of the most important scientific books ever written. A first edition of this groundbreaking work was featured on Pawn Stars, and its rarity comes from the fact that early editions are incredibly hard to come by, especially in good condition. This book forever changed the course of science and is cherished for both its historical and intellectual value.
11. The Audubon’s “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America”
While John James Audubon is better known for The Birds of America, another of his works, Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, also made an appearance on Pawn Stars. This book, published in the 1840s, is filled with detailed illustrations of North American mammals. The rarity of this book is tied to the limited number of copies produced and the exceptional skill required to create the detailed artwork inside.
