Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison pays $100,000 for ‘holy grail’ item signed by Abraham Lincoln (marketrealist.com)
Las Vegas Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Makes $100,000 Purchase of Rare Lincoln Memorabilia
Rick Harrison, star of the History Channel’s “Pawn Stars,” is known for his shrewd negotiating, but even he couldn’t resist shelling out a hefty sum for a piece of presidential history. A rare Abraham Lincoln signed parlor card recently made its way into Harrison’s Las Vegas pawn shop, leaving him stunned.
The card’s owner, Greg, a Lincoln memorabilia collector, explained he’d acquired the piece at an estate sale years prior. The card features a portrait of Lincoln, the same image used for the penny, signed by the president himself.
Harrison, visibly excited, noted the historical significance of parlor cards, popular in a time when photographs were a novelty. These cards, often displayed in glass cases, were a sign of sophistication and featured prominent figures like presidents and authors.
Adding to the card’s value, the portrait was taken by renowned photojournalist Mathew Brady. Harrison, amazed the card was in private hands, inquired about the price. Greg initially offered it for $100,000, a price Harrison deemed fair.
To authenticate the item, Harrison called in expert Stuart Lutz. Lutz was equally impressed, calling the card a “Holy Grail.”
He highlighted its unique features: the photograph by Brady, the most famous American photographer of the era, and its use as the model for the Lincoln penny. After careful examination, Lutz verified the signature’s authenticity, estimating the card’s retail value at $150,000 or more, emphasizing its importance for presidential collectors.
Following the expert’s appraisal, Greg raised his asking price to $120,000. Harrison, however, held firm at his original offer of $100,000. After a brief negotiation, a deal was struck.
Harrison, clearly thrilled with his acquisition, declared the card a true piece of American history.