Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ guest brings a 300 million year old fossil — only to get lowballed by Rick Harrison (marketrealist.com)
A “Pawn Stars” customer recently brought some ancient history into Rick Harrison’s world-famous pawn shop – 300-million-year-old fossils! The collection, featuring fossilized plants and a spider, came from the Mazon Creek fossil beds in Illinois.
The seller was hoping for $1,200, but Harrison, ever the shrewd negotiator, wasn’t so sure. Admitting his lack of paleontology expertise, he called in expert Dr.
Scott to examine the items.
Dr. Scott quickly confirmed the fossils’ authenticity, much to the seller’s relief.
He pointed out that 300 million years ago, Illinois was a tropical paradise near the equator—a far cry from its current climate! The spider fossil, in particular, caught the expert’s eye.
He described it as a unique find, highly sought after by collectors.
With authenticity verified, negotiations began. Harrison initially offered $800, then bumped it to $1,000.
However, the seller held firm, stating he couldn’t part with the fossils for less than he was asking for. Finally, Harrison caved, agreeing to $1,100.
While hesitant, the seller ultimately accepted the offer, making a deal and a bit of television history.