Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ guest once offered to buy dinner for Rich Harrison if he agreed on a certain price (marketrealist.com)
A “Pawn Stars” episode featured a unique negotiation tactic: a seller offering dinner to sweeten a book deal. The item in question was a geology book, potentially owned by Sir Isaac Newton. The seller explained its provenance, highlighting a bookplate, shelf location markings, and characteristic dog-eared pages.
While the seller’s claims seemed plausible, “Pawn Stars” owner, Richard Harrison (aka “The Old Man”), wisely consulted an expert. The expert confirmed the book’s connection to Newton’s library, noting the bookplate and shelf markings.
However, he also revealed the book had been restored, likely in the 18th century, impacting its value. Despite this, he estimated its retail worth at $20,000.
Negotiations began with Harrison offering $5,000. The seller countered with $7,000.
Harrison jokingly lamented that agreeing to $7,000 would leave him without dinner money. The seller, quick on his feet, offered to buy Harrison dinner if he accepted the $7,000 price.
Recognizing the book’s value and the unique offer, Harrison agreed, sealing the deal with a chuckle and a “Sounds like a plan.”