1. Pollock Puzzle—$50 Million Potential for $5 Masterpiece Found in Thrift Store

📰 📅 2006 Report: In California, retired truck driver Teri Horton discovered a potential Jackson Pollock painting at a thrift shop, purchasing it for just $5. Unaware of its origin, she later learned that if authenticated as a genuine Pollock, the painting could be priceless despite its modest purchase price and lack of provenance. Horton reportedly turned down offers of $2 million and $9 million, holding out for no less than $50 million. Found among thrift store items and nearly used for target practice, the painting's rarity and potential value sparked international interest and became the subject of a 2006 documentary about the discovery.

Full story and image: 🔗 Wikipedia

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2. Wild West Snapshot—$5 Million for $2 Billy the Kid Photo Found in Thrift Store

📰 📅 2015 Report: In Fresno, California, USA, a $2 photo from an antique shop was identified as a rare tintype of Billy the Kid, with a potential value of $5 million. This extraordinary find, featuring the notorious outlaw in 1878, was initially purchased from a thrift shop and is considered a significant discovery.

Full story and images: 🔗 NPR

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3. Historic Declaration—$477,000 for $2.48 Thrift Store Find

📰 📅 2007 Report: In Nashville, a man discovered a rare 1823 copy of the Declaration of Independence at a thrift store, purchasing it for just $2.48. Initially unnoticed, this official copy was later identified as one of 200 commissioned by John Quincy Adams. After being auctioned, it fetched $477,650—highlighting the document's priceless historical significance and rarity.

Full story and image: 🔗 NBC News

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4. Warhol Wonder—Six Figures for Rare Elvis Handbag Found in Charity Shop

📰 📅 2012 Report: A rare Philip Treacy handbag, purchased for just £20 ($25) at an Oxfam shop in Kingston, London, UK, was thought to be worth a fortune. Discovered by a retiree in a box, the handbag features an Elvis Presley design by Andy Warhol and is one of only 100 ever made. At the time, he reportedly received offers from Chinese buyers in the 'hundreds of thousands,' suggesting the handbag could set a record price.

Full story and images: 🔗 Daily Mail

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5. Artistic Ascendancy—$285,000 for $40 Thrift Shop Painting After Film Fame

📰 📅 2014 Report: A priceless 1927 painting, 'Sleeping Lady with Black Vase' by Hungarian artist Róbert Berény, was rediscovered on a film set in the U.S. after being considered lost post-World War II. Originally sold in 1928, it resurfaced in the 1999 film 'Stuart Little,' spotted by art historian Gergely Barki in 2009. Initially purchased for $40 in a charity shop, its value soared, fetching $285,700 at a 2014 auction.

Full story and image: 🔗 Wikipedia

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6. Sofa Surprise—$250,000 Rolex Found Hidden in Thrift Store Couch Cushions

📰 📅 2019 Report: In Canada, a woman discovered a rare Rolex Daytona—worth over $250,000—hidden beneath her couch cushions, a thrift store purchase for just $25. Dubbed the 'Paul Newman' model, it's a coveted vintage piece from the 1960s, with fewer than 3,000 ever made. The sofa's origins remain a mystery, with no previous owner traceable.

Full story and images: 🔗 Robb Report

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7. Golf Glory—$139,000 for Thrift Store Find of Golf Icon's $5 Jacket

📰 📅 2017 Report: In Canada, a rare Masters Tournament Green Jacket from the 1950s was discovered in a Toronto thrift store—purchased for $5. Initially estimated at a modest amount, it fetched $139,349 at auction after attracting 34 bids. Believed to have been worn by a golf champion, the jacket is one of the earliest from Augusta National's tradition, which began in 1949. Despite high interest in golf memorabilia, the jacket's origin remains a mystery due to the removal of its label.

Full story and images: 🔗 Golf Digest

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8. Sallman Stunner—$135,000 for Original 'Head of Christ' Art Found in Chicago Thrift Store

📰 📽️ 📅 2018 Report: At a Salvation Army thrift store in Chicago, a man discovered two original versions of Warner Sallman’s 'Head of Christ'—a globally renowned image reproduced over a billion times. He purchased both for $220, negotiating down from $250. After a rigorous two-year search, he sold them to a Colorado-based author for their appraised value of $135,000 ($100,000 and $35,000, respectively). These oil and chalk originals, found in a thrift store, highlight the unexpected treasures hidden in everyday places.

Full story, video, and images: 🔗 WTTW - Chicago PBS

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9. Bluebonnet Beauty—$112,500 for 1921 Onderdonk Painting Nearly Lost to Thrift Store

📰 📅 2024 Report: A century-old Julian Onderdonk painting, gifted in 1921 and nearly lost to a thrift store, sold for $112,500 at an auction in Dallas, United States. Discovered in a family dining room and almost discarded, the artwork—renowned for its depiction of Texas bluebonnets—was authenticated by experts. Its journey from an overlooked heirloom to a coveted treasure highlights its rarity and enduring appeal. 

Full story and image: 🔗 CHRON

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10. Lombardi Legend—$43,020 for 58-Cent Sweater Found in Goodwill Store

📰 📅 2015 Report: A sweater once owned by legendary coach Vince Lombardi was purchased for 58 cents at a Goodwill store in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, and later sold at auction for $43,020. Discovered by a vintage clothing reseller, the 'West Point' sweater was authenticated and auctioned in New York City.

Full story and images: 🔗 ESPN

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These inspiring discoveries reveal the untapped potential of everyday spaces as hidden treasure troves. Explore the top 40 finds below the ad ☟

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