10 Most Expensive Deals in Pawn Stars History
The History Channel’s ‘Pawn Stars’ has hooked viewers with its wild mix of rare items and intense haggling at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. From rock star guitars to presidential relics, the shop has seen some jaw-dropping deals that left Rick Harrison and his team shelling out big bucks for a chance at history.
Over the years, the show has showcased items so valuable they could make your head spin. Here’s a look at the 10 most expensive deals the Pawn Stars crew actually closed, ranked from the least to the most costly. Each one tells a story of risk, reward, and some serious cash.
1915 Panama Pacific Octagonal Gold Coin
In season 15, Rick Harrison traveled to a major coin auction in Florida to snag a 1915 Panama Pacific Octagonal $50 gold piece for a customer. Minted to celebrate the Panama Canal’s opening, this rare coin, made of 90% gold, was one of only a few left.
The seller wanted $70,000, but Rick haggled hard, finally settling at $67,500 after some tense back-and-forth. He knew he could flip it for a profit, proving that sometimes you have to spend big to make big.
Hertz Penske Ford Mustang GT
In season 7, a seller brought in a limited-edition Ford Mustang GT from a 2013 Hertz and Roger Penske partnership. Only 150 were made, and this one was among the first 10, never rented out, with a six-speed manual transmission.
The seller asked for $85,000, but Rick got NASCAR driver Joey Logano to test it out, ensuring it was in top shape. After negotiations, Rick sealed the deal at $60,000, scoring a sleek piece of automotive history.
Vic Flick’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster
A legendary studio musician named Vic Flick walked into the shop with his 1961 Fender Stratocaster, famous for its role in recording the iconic James Bond theme. This guitar’s history made it a gem for music collectors.
An expert valued it between $60,000 and $70,000, and Rick didn’t hesitate to offer $55,000, which Flick accepted. The deal was a steal for such a historic instrument, and Flick left happy, ready to celebrate with his wife.
John F. Kennedy’s Cigar Box
A seller brought in a cigar box that sat on President John F. Kennedy’s desk in the Oval Office, complete with unsmoked cigars. This piece of presidential history was a once-in-a-lifetime find for the shop.
The seller asked for $95,000, but Rick negotiated it down to $60,000, knowing another JFK cigar box had sold for over $500,000 in the past. The deal was a bold move, banking on the item’s historical weight to draw buyers.
1932 Custom Ford Roadster
Rick and Corey Harrison visited a seller to check out a jet-black 1932 Custom Ford Roadster with just 450 miles on it. Its 500-horsepower engine and pristine condition made it a dream car for collectors.
The owner had spent $140,000 on it but needed to sell. After tough negotiations, Rick and Corey landed the deal at $68,250, a price that would’ve shocked drivers in the 1930s when these cars cost around $400.
Mary Ford’s Les Paul Guitar
In season 12, a seller brought in a Les Paul guitar owned by Mary Ford, the wife of guitar legend Les Paul. Its connection to such a pivotal figure in music history made it a rare find.
Rick knew its value could skyrocket due to its provenance. After an expert confirmed its authenticity, he agreed to a pawn deal for $90,000, securing a piece of rock history with serious resale potential.
1932 Lincoln Roadster
In season 4, a seller named Uncle Phil brought a 1932 Lincoln Roadster to the shop, one of only 112 convertibles made. Its 150-horsepower V-12 engine and luxurious design screamed Great Depression-era opulence.
Rick estimated it could fetch $170,000 at auction in perfect condition, but this one had minor flaws. He haggled the seller down from $100,000 to $95,000, a solid deal for a car dripping with historical charm.
1922 High Relief Peace Dollar
A man who won a 1922 High Relief Peace Dollar in a poker game brought it to the shop, claiming it was one of only 10-12 left in existence. This rare coin, unrecognized by the government for years, was a numismatic treasure.
An expert valued it between $50,000 and $100,000, far above the seller’s $20,000 asking price. Rick struck a deal at $80,000, knowing its rarity would make it a hot item for collectors.
200 Pounds of Silver
In season 6, a seller wheeled in 3,300 ounces of pure silver—200 pounds of bars and coins—bought 12 years earlier when silver prices were low. The sheer volume stunned Rick and his team.
After testing its purity with nitric acid, Rick paid $111,000, confident he could sell it for a profit as silver prices had soared. The shop later minted custom coins featuring Richard “Old Man” Harrison, turning the deal into a legacy.
Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ Sketches
In season 15, a collector brought in 12 original sketches by Maurice Sendak for the beloved children’s book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’. These unique drawings, never reproduced, were a cultural treasure.
An art expert valued them at $310,000, but Rick negotiated the price down to $250,000. It’s the most expensive deal in ‘Pawn Stars’ history, and Rick proudly claimed, “Now you know where the wild things are—I own them.”
What’s your favorite big-ticket item from this list, and which one would you love to see in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop? Share your thoughts in the comments!