Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison offered $10,000 for coin linked to the Titanic — but the deal sank (marketrealist.com)
A Titanic-linked coin surfaced on the History Channel’s “Pawn Stars,” but the deal ultimately sank. Brought in by owner Frederic, the coin, a 1906 half-dollar once belonging to Titanic victim John W.
Gill, caught the eye of Rick Harrison. Despite its compelling history, Harrison’s $10,000 offer fell far short of Frederic’s $75,000 asking price, which was what he originally paid for it.
Frederic highlighted the coin’s unique provenance, tracing its ownership back to the ill-fated 1912 voyage. Harrison, after examining the NGC-graded coin and noting its improper cleaning, inquired about Frederic’s asking price. Frederic, aiming to make a profit, initially asked for $125,000, citing the sale of a $1 bill from another Titanic victim for a similar price.
To assess the coin’s true value, Harrison consulted expert David Vagi. Vagi, impressed by the artifact, recounted the story of 24-year-old Gill, a second-class passenger who left behind a new bride.
Vagi confirmed the historical records of Gill’s possessions found on his body, including the coin, a gold watch, and an engraved ring. However, Vagi’s valuation, based on previous sales of similar coins, ranged from $3,850 to a recent high of $21,000 – significantly less than Frederic’s investment.
Harrison, acknowledging the fluctuating value of such items, offered $10,000. Frederic, holding firm to his $75,000 minimum, declined, leaving the historical coin unsold.