Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison pays $18,000 for rare book but won’t buy George Washington’s letter (marketrealist.com)
“Pawn Stars” Rick Harrison Passes on George Washington Letter, Snags Rare Book
Las Vegas pawn shop owner and reality TV star Rick Harrison recently passed on a piece of American history, opting instead for a rare book. A customer, Adam, brought in three items: a medieval painting, a first edition book on card games, and a letter penned by George Washington.
Adam presented the items as “holy grails,” starting with the 15th-century painting from a book of hours. He then showed Harrison a 1796 edition of Edmund Hoyle’s “Book of Games,” the first book on card games printed in America. The final item, a letter from George Washington regarding the Whiskey Rebellion, caught Harrison’s attention, although he noted its rough condition.
After hearing Adam’s asking price of $45,000 for all three items, Harrison called in expert Stuart Lutz for authentication and appraisal. Lutz confirmed the Washington letter’s authenticity, identifying the recipient as William Gray, a weaver entrusted by Washington to deliver the letter to Thomas Jefferson. Despite its historical significance, Lutz appraised the letter at only $25,000, citing its condition, size, and some concerns about the signature.
Surprisingly, Harrison declined to purchase the letter, stating it was “too rough” for his clientele. He then negotiated with Adam for the painting and the book, ultimately purchasing the pair for $18,000.