Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison once paid $34,000 for a rare coin after taking his dad’s advice (marketrealist.com)
Rick Harrison, star of “Pawn Stars,” often relies on experts to appraise items in his Las Vegas shop. But in one memorable episode, he also sought the wisdom of his late father, Richard “Old Man” Harrison, before making a significant purchase.
The item in question? A rare 1861 Double Eagle $20 gold coin.
The seller, hoping to make a dent in a $50,000 debt, brought the coin to the shop, unaware of its true value. Harrison, recognizing the “Holy Grail” of American coins, was immediately interested.
After an expert confirmed the coin’s authenticity and high grade, estimating its worth at $40,000, negotiations began. The seller eventually lowered his asking price to $34,000.
Although Harrison saw the potential, he hesitated, seeking his father’s approval before committing to such a large sum. The Old Man’s response?
A classic, “Oh, go for it, what the hell!”
With his father’s blessing, Harrison sealed the deal, acquiring the historic coin. The episode highlights the close relationship between the two Harrisons and the valuable lessons passed down from father to son.