The History Channel’s long-running reality series Pawn Stars has captivated audiences for over a decade with its behind-the-counter look at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. Owned and operated by the Harrison family—Rick, his late father Richard (“The Old Man”), son Corey, and friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell—the show features a mix of everyday pawns and extraordinary historical treasures. What sets it apart is the high-stakes negotiation, expert appraisals, and the sheer variety of items that walk through the door, from rare coins and guitars to presidential artifacts and vintage vehicles.

While many items are modest, some deals push into six-figure territory, showcasing the shop’s willingness to invest big when the potential profit (or historical value) justifies it. A popular 2018 YouTube compilation video titled “15 Most Expensive Buys On Pawn Stars” highlighted some of the show’s most jaw-dropping purchases from its early seasons. Though the list reflects deals up to around that time (and higher purchases have occurred since, such as original Where the Wild Things Are illustrations for $250,000), these remain iconic examples of the biggest buys featured on the series.

Here is the countdown of those 15 most expensive items purchased by the Pawn Stars team, starting from the lowest in the top tier:

15. John F. Kennedy’s Personal Cigar Box – Purchased for $60,000
    A walnut humidor that once sat on JFK’s desk in the Oval Office, complete with some unsmoked cigars. Rick called it a “once-in-a-lifetime item” and later flipped it for a profit.
16. Four Gold Bars – Purchased for $128,000
    A hefty investment in precious metal, betting on the stability and resale value of gold.
17. Large Silver Bar Collection – Purchased for $111,000
    Over 200 pounds of silver bought years earlier at a lower price; the rising market made this a smart bulk buy for immediate resale.
18. Lincoln-Related Items / 1932 Lincoln Roadster – Around $95,000
    A rare convertible from the early 1930s, one of few produced, blending automotive history with luxury engineering.
19. 2001 Super Bowl Ring – High value (exact purchase varied, but appraised significantly)
    A diamond-encrusted championship ring from the New England Patriots’ first win, loaded with bling and NFL history.
20. 1961 Gibson Les Paul Guitar (owned by Les Paul and Mary Ford) – Purchased for $90,000
    Appraised at up to $150,000, this iconic instrument helped shape rock music and came with proven provenance.
21. Gibson SJ-200 Guitar (owned by Stephen Stills) – Purchased for $85,000
    A beautifully maintained piece played during the Crosby, Stills & Nash era, verified by a signed bill of sale.
22. Rare American Coin – Purchased for $80,000
    Valued between $50,000 and $100,000, highlighting the shop’s expertise in numismatics.
23. 1932 Ford Roadster Hot Rod – Purchased for $68,000
    A custom classic that turned heads with its matte black finish and period-perfect restoration.
24. Panama Canal Commemorative $50 Gold Coin – Purchased for $67,500
    A rare piece tied to a monumental engineering feat.
25. Limited-Edition Hertz Mustang – Purchased for $75,000 (negotiated down from $85,000)
    One of a small run produced in partnership with Hertz and Penske Racing.
26. Guitar Played by Vic Flick (Beatles sessions and James Bond theme) – Purchased for $55,000
    The instrument behind one of cinema’s most famous riffs.
27. 1550s Shipwreck Gold Bar – Purchased for $35,000 (worth $50,000)
    Recovered treasure with melt value alone justifying the deal, plus historical provenance.
28. Book of Mormon (printed by Joseph Smith) – Purchased for $24,000 (appraised at $40,000)
    An early religious text with significant cultural importance.
29. 1602 Ship Bell – Purchased for around $15,000
    An ancient maritime artifact kicking off the list with deep historical roots.

These deals exemplify why Pawn Stars remains a fan favorite: the thrill of authentication, the art of haggling, and the glimpse into pieces of history that most people only read about. While the shop has made even larger purchases in later seasons, this classic top 15 captures some of the most memorable moments that put the series on the map. Whether it’s rock ‘n’ roll relics, presidential memorabilia, or sunken treasure, the Harrison family knows how to spot a winner.

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