Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison negotiates deal to buy 100,000-year-old item for $1,700 (marketrealist.com)
Las Vegas Pawn Shop Owner Rick Harrison Snags 100,000-Year-Old Mastodon Tusk
Rick Harrison, star of the hit reality show “Pawn Stars,” is known for his eclectic acquisitions, but a recent purchase stands out: a 100,000-year-old mastodon tusk. While on tour, Harrison encountered a seller named Robert who presented the ancient artifact. After confirming its authenticity, Harrison negotiated a deal, securing the tusk for $1,700.
The tusk, bearing inscriptions indicating its origin in Point Barrow, Alaska, fascinated Harrison. He noted its unusual sliced appearance, speculating that it may have been cut into pieces by the original discoverers. Robert confirmed this theory, explaining that three individuals likely divided the tusk amongst themselves, unknowingly diminishing its overall value.
Recognizing the tusk’s potential worth, Harrison consulted paleontologist Andre Lujan. Lujan confirmed the tusk’s age, estimating it to be between tens and hundreds of thousands of years old.
He pointed out the well-preserved enamel and ivory, while also noting some man-made damage. Surprisingly, Lujan had never encountered a mastodon tusk from Point Barrow, increasing its rarity.
He appraised the tusk at $2,500.
Armed with the expert’s appraisal, Harrison offered Robert $1,400. After some back-and-forth, the two settled on a final price of $1,700. Another fascinating piece of history added to the “Pawn Stars” collection.