The Most Expensive Items In American Pickers History
The Most Expensive Items In American Pickers History
Inside the Most Expensive Finds in American Pickers History
For over a decade, American Pickers stars Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz have crisscrossed the United States searching barns, garages, basements, and forgotten outbuildings for hidden treasures. The hit History Channel series has turned “picking” into a cultural phenomenon, with fans eagerly tuning in to see the duo uncover rare artifacts, negotiate deals, and—when luck is on their side—score huge profits.
While not every trip results in a major payday, several finds stand out as some of the most valuable and memorable in the show’s long run. Here are the biggest high-dollar discoveries in American Pickers history.
A 1935 Auburn Phaeton 653 – Profit on Four Wheels
In Season 12, Wolfe and Fritz stumbled upon an exceptionally rare 1935 Auburn Phaeton 653, the final production year for the model. They paid $26,500 for the car, plus $1,000 in shipping and another $10,000 in restoration costs. Their total investment of $37,500 paid off when the car was valued at $45,000—earning them a clean $7,500 profit.
A Leather License Plate From the Early Auto Age
Before government-issued metal plates became standard, early drivers often crafted their own, sometimes from unusual materials like leather. Wolfe recognized the rarity of one such embossed leather plate and purchased it for $1,000. It proved to be a smart buy: he later sold it for $1,200.
Historic Sideshow Banners From Bushkill Park
Season 3 opened with a visit to Bushkill Park, a historic amusement park in Easton, Pennsylvania. Amid aging attractions, the Pickers discovered vintage circus sideshow banners. They secured several for just $700—and later sold them for an astonishing $10,000.
A Skeleton of a 1910 Royal Pioneer Motorcycle
Royal Pioneer motorcycles are exceptionally rare due to a devastating factory fire that halted production after only about 500 were made. With only four known examples left, Wolfe didn’t hesitate to pay $55,000 for the skeletal remains of a 1910 model. Considering a restored Royal Pioneer once sold for nearly $100,000, this find held serious investment potential.
A Motorcycle Haul at Paper City Brewery
A visit to Paper City Brewery in Holyoke, Massachusetts, led to a biker’s dream. Surrounded by a private collection of classic motorcycles, the Pickers purchased five bikes—including a 1932 Harley-Davidson—for a total of $62,000.
A Prototype Yoda Statue From the 1990s
In Season 16, the duo met a collector with an impressive trove of film memorabilia. One standout piece: a prototype of a licensed Yoda statue from the mid-1990s. Recognizing the value of this one-of-a-kind Star Wars relic, the Pickers snapped it up for $6,250.
A Lionel Train Set That Became a Costly Disappointment
Not every buy ends with a smile. In the Season 7 premiere, Wolfe and Fritz paid $8,000 for what they believed was a pristine original Lionel train set. An appraisal later revealed many replaced parts, severely lowering its value. They ultimately sold it for just $3,400—prompting Wolfe to admit, “I kind of want to throw up.”
A Rare Zundapp RS 750 With Sidecar
Lady Luck returned in Season 11 when the Pickers found an Eisenhower-era Zundapp RS 750 motorcycle with a sidecar. They paid $10,000, plus $1,000 shipping. After restoration, a Georgia vintage motorcycle shop bought it for $18,000.
Two Nash-Healeys Hidden in an Old Dealership
Season 13 brought a remarkable discovery: two Nash-Healeys gathering dust in an old AMC dealership. Produced only from 1951 to 1954, these early sports cars are beloved by collectors. The team paid $46,000 for both. With each car valued at roughly $37,000, they effectively scored two classics for the price of one.
The $90,000 Motorcycle Jackpot
One of the show’s most expensive buys came in Season 17. On a sprawling Oregon property filled with deteriorating motorcycle frames, parts, and relics, the Pickers unearthed a rare Ace four-cylinder bike—one of the rarest motorcycles on Earth. Tempted by the massive collection, Wolfe and Fritz handed over approximately $90,000, marking the biggest single purchase ever made on American Pickers.
Whether striking gold or absorbing costly lessons, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz have built a legacy on the thrill of the hunt. And as long as forgotten treasures remain tucked away in America’s backroads and barns, the Pickers will keep searching.
