Bruno Pugh
Thrift stores are full of hidden treasures, and sometimes, shoppers stumble upon items worth a fortune. Some are historical artifacts, and others are rare collectibles. Here are 10 of the most fascinating thrift store discoveries ever made.
A Copy Of The Declaration Of Independence
In 2006, a Tennessee man bought a framed document for $2.48 at a thrift store, only to discover it was one of the 200 official copies of the Declaration of Independence, produced under the direction of John Quincy Adams in 1820. The copy was sold for $477,650.
A Rolex Watch
Zach Norris purchased a 1959 Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm watch for just $5.99. This rare vintage model fetched $35,000 when resold. Its unique features made it highly sought after by collectors.
Lost Jackson Pollock’s Painting
In 1992, Teri Horton, a long-haul truck driver, found a $5 abstract painting at a thrift store in California, not realizing it was an original Jackson Pollock. After purchasing it for such a low price, Horton sought the help of art experts who used forensic analysis to confirm its authenticity.
WWII Enigma Machine
What looked like a vintage typewriter was a WWII German Enigma machine. Used for encoding messages, it later sold for over $100,000. This machine played a significant role in cryptographic history and was essential for army communications.
Rare Picasso Ceramic Plate
One seemingly ordinary plate was purchased for only a few dollars at a thrift store. It was later confirmed to be an original Picasso. Crafted by the artist in the 1940s, it was part of an uncommon series that featured distinctive markings only recognizable by experts.
Diamond Ring
A thrift shopper unknowingly purchased a diamond ring at a car boot sale for around $13 (£10), believing it to be costume jewelry. Years later, an appraisal revealed it was a 26-carat diamond. This ring was later auctioned for approximately $847,667 (£656,750).
Authentic NASA Space Suit
For 20 cents per outfit, a thrift store shopper picked up a genuine NASA astronaut suit from the Apollo era, later identified as a priceless collector’s item worth $5,000 (£3,900). The jumpsuit had mission patches that confirm its direct ties to early space exploration.
Ilya Bolotowsky’s Vertical Diamond
In a remarkable thrift store find, Ilya Bolotowsky’s Vertical Diamond, a stunning piece of modern abstract art, was purchased for just $9.99. This painting, once overlooked, was later identified as a significant work by the Russian-American artist known for his geometric and vibrant style.
John Bartlam Tea Pot
John Bartlam’s original porcelain tea set, worth around $575,000 (£460,000), was purchased for $20 at a thrift store, but its actual value was far beyond that. Bartlam’s work, primarily produced in the late 1700s, is highly sought after by collectors because of its importance in American ceramics.
Money And A Note
In 2018, a woman bought a purse for $7 at a thrift store, only to find $300 and a hidden note inside. The note, written by a previous owner, contained a heartfelt message and expressed hope for the next person using the purse.