Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison pays a fortune for the pamphlet signed by Martin Luther King Jr. (marketrealist.com)
“Pawn Stars” Rick Harrison Scores Big with Historic Martin Luther King Jr. Artifact
Rick Harrison, the shrewd negotiator of “Pawn Stars” fame, is known for driving a hard bargain. But even the savviest haggler can recognize a truly priceless piece of history.
In a recent episode, Harrison encountered a rare gem: a pamphlet signed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring his powerful 1967 speech condemning the Vietnam War.
A collector specializing in Vietnam War memorabilia brought in the prized pamphlet, aware of its significance and value. Having seen a similar item sell for $11,000, the collector set his sights on $12,500.
Harrison, intrigued but cautious, recognized the potential value of any artifact signed by Dr. King, especially given their scarcity.
The collector shared that it had taken him over a decade to find an authentic signed document, calling it the “holy grail.”
Before committing to a potentially hefty investment, Harrison called in expert Steve to authenticate the signature. Under the scrutiny of a magnifying device attached to a tablet camera, Steve carefully examined the ink and pen type, comparing the signature to known examples of Dr.
King’s handwriting. The expert confirmed the signature’s authenticity, estimating the document’s value at $12,000.
The collector, vindicated, then offered to sell the pamphlet for $10,000.
Despite his reputation for bargaining, Harrison recognized the fairness of the offer. Knowing the potential resale value far exceeded the asking price, he agreed to the deal. This acquisition represents not just a shrewd business move for Harrison, but also the preservation of a significant piece of American history.