Finding a priceless antique at a thrift store is the stuff of dreams for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Imagine walking into your local Goodwill or Savers and discovering a hidden gem worth a fortune!
A seemingly ordinary shopping trip could turn into an extraordinary treasure hunt when you least expect it. Each antique hiding at the thrift store carries its own story, silently awaiting the moment a shopper will unearth it. Here are ten examples of 10 priceless antiques that lucky shoppers have uncovered at the thrift store.
1. Alexander Calder Lithograph
Karen Mallet found an abstract lithograph by sculptor Alexander Calder at the thrift store. She immediately snapped it up for $12, which was a steal considering its true value. USA Today reports that it appraised for $9,000.
Despite the big payday she could’ve received from the picture, Karen decided not to sell it. She’s fond of the lithograph’s unique black and white design, which features swirls and lines that resemble a nose.
2. Pre-Revolution Newspaper
According to USA Today, a thrift store employee in New Jersey found an important pre-Revolution newspaper. It was an edition of the Pennsylvania Journal that contained articles encouraging an uprising against the British.
This priceless antique even featured John Hancock’s printed signature. Although the paper has sustained some damage over the years and is stained, it still represents a pivotal moment in American history, making it a thrift store treasure.
3. Vintage Sweater
A couple in North Carolina came upon a vintage West Point sweater at their local thrift store. They noticed that the sweater had the name “Lombardi” scrawled on the tag. However, they didn’t connect the sweater to famous football coach Vince Lombardi at first.
They finally realized it belonged to Vince while watching a documentary that featured a photo of him wearing the garment. The couple purchased the zip-up for just $0.58 and managed to resell it at auction for about $43,000 according to USA Today. Touchdown!
4. Vase by Carlo Scarpa
Jessica Vincent found a beautiful, iridescent glass vase by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa at her local Goodwill. The priceless antique was in perfect condition without any chips or scratches.
It was made in the 1940s as part of Carlo Scarpa’s Pennellate collection. The vase sold at auction for a whopping $107,100. Considering Jessica only paid $3.99 for it, she made a great profit.
5. Ancient Roman Bust
Believe it or not, Laura Young found an ancient Roman bust at a thrift store in Texas. The priceless antique was on sale for the bargain price of just $35 and dates back to the late first century B.C. to early first century A.D.
According to USA Today, the bust actually belonged to a German museum and was stolen around WWII. In May 2023, it was sent back to the country to be put on display. Although Laura didn’t get to keep it, she received a finder’s fee and has an amazing story to share about her thrift store find!
6. N.C. Wyeth Painting
A woman from New Hampshire found a valuable painting by renowned artist N.C. Wyeth at a Savers thrift store. The striking art piece, titled “Ramona,” depicts a conflict between a young woman and her stepmother.
The shopper purchased it for just $4, which turned out to be a massive bargain. When she posted photos of the painting on Facebook, she was shocked to discover it was a priceless antique worth as much as $250,000. We’d call that a successful shopping trip!
7. Picasso Plates
Nancy Cavaliere from New York found a valuable set of Picasso plates at the thrift store. She recognized Picasso’s signature on the back of the ceramics and scooped them up for just $6.
After contacting an auction house, she learned that each plate was worth roughly $3,000 to $5,000. Nancy sold them for a tidy profit and invested the money, giving her a nice financial cushion.
8. Alexander McQueen Jumpsuit
According to Newsweek, the Picasso plates weren’t the only priceless antiques Nancy Cavaliere found at the thrift store. She even stumbled upon a jumpsuit made by the acclaimed fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
It was an early piece from his second collection, making it rare and valuable. Nancy snagged it for just $20 at the thrift store and managed to sell it for a whopping $8,500. What an excellent return on investment!
9. A Picasso Sketch
Surprisingly, another priceless antique made by Picasso showed up at a thrift store. Zach Bodish discovered a sketch at his local thrift store that had Picasso’s signature on it. He assumed the art piece was a reproduction, but decided to go ahead and purchase it anyway. He bought it for just $14 and ended up reselling it to a private buyer for a whopping $7,000.
10. Signed Winston Churchill Letter
A thrift store customer in Westchester County found what appeared to be a letter signed by Winston Churchill. It was addressed to the Jackson College for Women in Massachusetts and seemed to be handwritten.
Although the shopper didn’t get the letter authenticated, it featured a convincing House of Commons stamp, which may suggest that it’s real. Considering the fact that Churchill’s other letters have fetched thousands of dollars at auction, this thrifter could be in for a big payday!
You Never Know What You’ll Find
One of the best things about secondhand shopping is that you never know what you’ll find. Even in seemingly ordinary thrift stores, there may be treasure hiding on the shelves. However, recognizing these priceless antiques takes a keen eye.
It may be helpful to train yourself to recognize valuable items by watching programs like Antiques Roadshow. That way you’ll be ready when fortune smiles upon you and puts a priceless antique in your path at your local thrift store!
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.