Stars, Sw0rds, and Six-Figure Deals: The Wildest Celebrity Encounters at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

In the heart of Las Vegas, where spectacle and commerce collide, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has become an unlikely stage for some of Hollywood’s biggest names. More than just a place for everyday people to hock their heirlooms, this iconic shop has transformed into a destination where celebrities, priceless artifacts, and high-stakes negotiations create unforgettable television. From legendary actors to rock stars and UFC titans, the stars who wander through its doors bring with them not just their fame, but stories that blur the line between history and Hollywood glamour.

One of the most memorable and amusing encounters featured funnyman Steve Carell, who stopped by to browse the shop’s eclectic collection. His eyes landed on a World War II diver’s knife, a piece of military history with a rugged, utilitarian appeal. In a moment of pure comedic genius, Carell engaged the staff in a reverse negotiation, humorously driving the price up to an incredible $6,000. The playful banter showcased his quick wit, but in the end, the celebrated actor decided to pass on the purchase, leaving behind a story that was more about the experience than the transaction.

In contrast, some celebrity visits are all business. When UFC President Dana White entered the shop, he wasn’t there to browse; he had his sights set on a specific treasure. Rick Harrison, the shop’s patriarch, was the proud owner of a prized samurai sword—a piece he cherished and likely never intended to sell. But White, a man known for getting what he wants, made an offer that was impossible to refuse: a staggering $60,000. The deal was sealed with a swiftness that left Rick both stunned and significantly richer. Not content with just one piece of history, White later purchased another sword for $9,000, cementing his status as one of the shop’s most decisive high-rollers.

Sometimes, the value of an item is not in its price tag but in the personal connection it represents. This was powerfully illustrated when a fan brought in a Mankind mask and a Dude Love t-shirt, both signed by the legendary wrestler Mick Foley. To the seller’s astonishment, Foley himself was on hand to authenticate the items. After sharing stories and meeting his idol, the seller was faced with a cash offer of $200. In a heartwarming twist, he turned it down. The opportunity to meet a hero and have his memorabilia personally verified was worth more than any dollar amount. It was a poignant reminder that some treasures are measured in memories, not money.

The shop also plays host to moments of musical magic. Phil Collen, the lead guitarist of Def Leppard, once stopped by to authenticate a signed guitar. He didn’t just confirm its legitimacy; he picked it up and played, filling the pawn shop with the iconic riffs that have defined a generation of rock music. The impromptu performance added immeasurable value to the instrument, which ultimately sold for $8,500. Similarly, a 1941 Gibson SJ-200 once owned by Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young found its way to the counter, eventually being purchased for a hefty $85,000. In another instance, a guitar belonging to Mary Ford, one-half of the pioneering duo Les Paul and Mary Ford, was acquired for $90,000—a significant sum, though a far cry from the seller’s initial $250,000 asking price.

However, not every item that comes through the door is a guaranteed payday, regardless of its story. The shop operates under a strict set of legal and ethical guidelines, forcing them to turn away some truly fascinating artifacts. A desk with a hidden gun compartment, a relic straight out of a spy novel, was rejected due to legal ambiguities surrounding its manufacture date and firearm deactivation laws. An even more clear-cut refusal involved a guitar crafted from tortoise shell. With stringent regulations protecting endangered species, selling such an item would carry severe penalties, making it untouchable despite its unique craftsmanship.

Provenance and ownership are paramount in the pawn business, and any hint of impropriety is a deal-breaker. A 1950s German spy camera was turned away because its scratched-out social security number raised red flags about it being stolen property. Likewise, a Penn State Orange Bowl ring from the 1970s was rejected because its removed engraving made it impossible to trace back to its original owner. One of the most intriguing cases involved a silver shekel from Tyre, a coin of the type believed to have been paid to Judas Iscariot for his betrayal of Jesus. The transaction was initially halted due to a stolen goods report, but after an insurance payout resolved the claim, the coin was eventually cleared for sale, allowing a piece of potential biblical history to be legally traded.

While celebrity encounters and strange rejections create buzz, the lifeblood of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop remains the high-value transactions that define the world of collectibles. Over the years, the Harrisons have shelled out fortunes for items of incredible historical and monetary worth. Vic Flick’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster, the very guitar that played the timeless James Bond theme, was purchased for $55,000. A cigar box once owned by President John F. Kennedy, complete with its original cigars, was acquired for an impressive $60,000.

The shop’s garage has also seen its share of high-octane deals. A custom GT Mustang, one of only 150 ever made, was sold for $60,000 after a test drive by NASCAR star Joey Logano. A stunning 1932 Ford Roadster with a mere 450 miles on the odometer fetched $68,276, while a classic 1932 Lincoln Roadster commanded an even higher price of $95,000. These powerful machines are more than just vehicles; they are rolling pieces of American history.

In the world of numismatics, the stakes are just as high. A 1915 Panama Pacific $50 gold coin was bought for $67,500 and later sold for a handsome profit. An exceptionally rare 1922 High Relief dollar coin, won in a poker game, was valued at an astonishing $80,000. In one of the shop’s largest bulk purchases, the team acquired over 200 pounds of silver coins and bars, shelling out a massive $111,000.

Each transaction, whether it involves a celebrity, a rare coin, or a piece of rock and roll history, adds a new chapter to the story of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. It is a place where the past is currency, and every item has a story waiting to be told. The blend of Hollywood glamour and historical intrigue ensures that the world will keep watching, waiting to see what—or who—will come through those doors next.