1. The 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante
The 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante is a jaw-dropping find that was brought into the shop in season 8 of Pawn Stars. The car, in excellent condition, was initially offered for $10 million, which made Rick Harrison a little wary. After some back-and-forth negotiations, a price of $9.6 million was settled upon. What makes this find so significant is that this rare car is one of only 17 made, and it’s an exceptional example of automotive craftsmanship from the golden age of luxury cars.
The Bugatti’s rarity alone makes it a prized collector’s item, and its status as a work of art in automotive history contributes to its high value. Only a few of these cars remain in original condition, which increases its worth even more. If it had been sold for the asking price, it would have become one of the highest-priced items ever purchased on the show. The fact that it was discovered in a Las Vegas pawn shop is a testament to the wild treasures that sometimes turn up unexpectedly.
2. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
A standout moment from Pawn Stars was when a rare 1787 Brasher Doubloon coin showed up at the counter, sparking excitement among collectors and history buffs alike. This coin was one of only a handful ever minted by New York goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, and it is considered one of the most important coins in American history. Initially, the owner was hoping to get around $500,000 for it, but experts quickly confirmed its authenticity and value, bringing it into the multimillion-dollar range. Ultimately, this coin could be worth anywhere from $3 million to $4 million, depending on its condition and market fluctuations.
The Brasher Doubloon’s historical significance cannot be overstated, as it represents one of the earliest attempts to mint coins in the U.S. during the nation’s infancy. Due to its rarity and connection to early American history, the coin has been coveted by numismatists and collectors for decades. The combination of its beauty, rarity, and historical importance makes it one of the most valuable items ever brought into the pawn shop. It’s a prime example of how a seemingly small item can hold incredible worth when it’s tied to a unique historical legacy.
3. The 1969 Fender Stratocaster
When a 1969 Fender Stratocaster guitar came into the shop, it was already an eye-catching piece. While the guitar was used, it had been owned by the famous musician Jimi Hendrix, which instantly made it a game-changer. After the guitar’s authenticity was verified, its value skyrocketed to around $2 million. The reason behind its worth isn’t just the name of the guitar, but its historical association with one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
Jimi Hendrix’s influence on rock music and the guitar world makes anything associated with him highly valuable. The Fender Stratocaster itself is a highly sought-after model in the music world, and its connection to Hendrix only increases its desirability. Items with such rock-and-roll provenance are rare, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for them. If sold, it could easily reach several million dollars, making it one of the most expensive instruments ever to grace Pawn Stars.
4. The John Wayne’s “True Grit” Film Poster
In season 5, a True Grit movie poster signed by the iconic John Wayne was brought into the pawn shop, causing quite a stir. While many film posters hold some value, this particular one was highly coveted due to Wayne’s signature and its historical importance in the Western genre. Experts evaluated the poster, placing its value at around $1 million to $2 million. This made it one of the most valuable movie memorabilia finds in Pawn Stars history.
John Wayne’s signature alone makes this piece incredibly valuable to collectors and fans of classic cinema. The film True Grit, where Wayne played a grizzled U.S. Marshal, became a cultural touchstone and is still beloved today. A signed poster from this film has enormous appeal not only for collectors of movie memorabilia but also for those who admire Wayne’s legacy. It’s a stunning example of how a simple poster can fetch an impressive price when tied to a legendary figure.
5. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
When a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel appeared in the pawn shop, the staff was initially skeptical about its authenticity. However, once the coin was confirmed to be real, its value was estimated at between $3 million and $4 million. The Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest U.S. coins in existence, with only five known to have been minted. The sheer rarity of this coin makes it one of the most valuable finds to ever grace the show.
The coin was originally created as a test piece for a new design, but due to its unauthorized production, it became highly sought after by collectors. Its mysterious origin adds to its allure, making it a piece of numismatic history. Items like this don’t come around often, which is why it remains one of the most sought-after treasures in American coinage. The fact that it turned up in a pawn shop just adds to the mythos of this incredible discovery.
6. The Mark McGwire 70th Home Run Baseball
In a moment of pure sports history, a baseball hit by Mark McGwire to mark his 70th home run came into the shop, sparking an intense bidding war. Initially valued at $1 million, it was an incredible find for sports fans and collectors alike. The baseball’s significance comes from McGwire’s place in baseball history, as he was the first player to hit 70 home runs in a single season, breaking a longstanding record. Such memorabilia, tied to a pivotal moment in sports history, only grows in value as time passes.
McGwire’s achievement during the 1998 baseball season was a defining moment in the sport, and memorabilia tied to such milestones becomes increasingly valuable. Items associated with famous athletes and historic events often appreciate over time, particularly when they’re in excellent condition and have proper documentation. The unique story behind this ball—along with its link to an unforgettable moment in sports—cements its value. It serves as a perfect example of how personal items of famous figures can become priceless treasures.
7. The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
A rare 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin made an appearance on Pawn Stars and immediately grabbed attention due to its value. Only a few of these coins were ever released to the public, and they were all eventually recalled by the U.S. government. This particular coin had somehow escaped that recall, making it a historical and highly valuable artifact. The coin’s value is estimated at a staggering $7 million to $8 million, depending on the market.
The 1933 Double Eagle holds immense significance because of its status as one of the last gold coins minted by the U.S. before the country went off the gold standard. Its rarity and the fact that it was never legally released to the public makes it one of the most desirable coins in existence. Because of its government-issued rarity, the coin represents a unique moment in American financial history. It’s a prized piece for collectors, and any example that surfaces commands a fortune.
8. The Civil War Sword
A Civil War sword, purportedly owned by a Confederate officer, was presented in the pawn shop in season 3 and valued at around $1.5 million. The sword was intricately designed and had historical significance tied to the officer’s involvement in key battles. After verifying the sword’s authenticity, the item was deemed a highly valuable piece of Civil War memorabilia. The owner was initially hoping for a large sum, but the historical provenance of the sword justified its worth.
Civil War artifacts hold great appeal for collectors due to their importance in American history. Items associated with prominent figures from this time period often carry high value because they provide a tangible connection to pivotal events. The sword’s connection to Confederate history adds to its mystique and rarity, making it a prized find. Even though it didn’t sell on the show, its worth in the historical market is undeniable.
9. The Albert Einstein Letter
In another surprising moment, a handwritten letter from Albert Einstein appeared at the shop and immediately drew attention. The letter, written by Einstein to a prominent physicist, contained fascinating insights into his thoughts on theoretical physics. With its authenticity confirmed, experts valued the letter at around $1.5 million. Items like this are incredibly rare and hold immense value because they provide a glimpse into the genius mind of one of the most important figures in science.
Letters from Einstein are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and the insight they provide into his thinking process. The fact that this letter contained personal thoughts on the progression of physics made it even more valuable. Because Einstein’s legacy continues to shape modern science, artifacts linked to him only grow in historical importance. The sale of this letter would have been a groundbreaking event for any memorabilia collector.
10. The Patek Philippe Watch
A Patek Philippe pocket watch, passed down through generations, made its way to the pawn shop, valued at around $3 million. This iconic Swiss watchmaker’s timepieces are considered some of the finest in the world, known for their craftsmanship and precision. What made this particular watch even more special was its connection to a well-known family and its rarity in the market. After expert evaluation, the watch was confirmed as one of the finest examples of Patek Philippe’s design.
Patek Philippe watches are among the most expensive and coveted luxury watches globally, and this particular timepiece represented the pinnacle of horological achievement. Watches like this are seen not just as timekeepers but as heirlooms and works of art. The rarity of such a fine timepiece, along with its impeccable history, makes it an incredibly valuable collectible. It’s a perfect example of how high-end watches can sometimes fetch millions at auction or sale.
11. The Babe Ruth Jersey
When a jersey worn by Babe Ruth appeared at the pawn shop, it immediately became the subject of much excitement. Ruth is one of the most iconic names in baseball, and any item connected to him is a potential goldmine. The jersey was confirmed to be real, and its value skyrocketed to around $4 million. This is one of the few authentic jerseys worn by the legendary player, making it a rare and valuable piece of sports memorabilia.
Babe Ruth’s legacy in baseball is unparalleled, and items related to him continue to hold immense value for collectors. His memorabilia is often considered to be the pinnacle of sports collectibles, with pieces like his jerseys selling for millions. The combination of Ruth’s fame and the rarity of the jersey created a perfect storm for an extraordinarily high appraisal. It’s a perfect example of how the history of sports intersects with the world of valuable collectibles.
12. The Marilyn Monroe Happy Birthday Dress
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress was presented at the pawn shop in season 9, and it was instantly recognized as one of the most valuable pieces of celebrity history. The dress was originally worn by Monroe during her famous performance for President John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebration in 1962. It was appraised at a whopping $4 million due to its connection to the iconic actress and the historical significance of that moment. Even though it didn’t sell, the value of such a famous dress cannot be overstated.
Monroe’s performance in this dress is one of the most iconic moments in pop culture, making any item tied to it highly desirable. The dress itself is a stunning piece of fashion history, and its association with Monroe only enhances its value. Dresses worn by Hollywood legends rarely come onto the market, which makes those that do even more precious. It’s a perfect example of how celebrity culture can dramatically influence the value of personal items.
13. The Elvis Presley 1956 Pink Cadillac
A 1956 pink Cadillac once owned by Elvis Presley was brought into Pawn Stars, and it was instantly recognized as a treasure. The car, a rare gift from Elvis to his mother, had been meticulously maintained, and its historical significance made it incredibly valuable. Experts estimated the car’s worth at around $1.5 million, and its connection to the King of Rock and Roll only added to its desirability. Even though it wasn’t sold on the show, the car’s value is undeniable.
Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture makes anything associated with him highly collectible. The pink Cadillac holds a special place in the hearts of Elvis fans, as it represents a personal connection between the musician and his family. Cars owned by celebrities, especially someone as iconic as Elvis, can fetch enormous sums at auction. This find on Pawn Stars was an exciting moment for both Elvis fans and car collectors alike.
