10 of the Most Valuable Things Appraised on ‘Antiques Roadshow’
As one of the longest-running shows on TV, “Antiques Roadshow” captivates audiences by revealing the hidden worth of everyday items — many of which are worth staggering amounts (think millions). Over the years, the show has appraised numerous forgotten gems and artifacts that have rendered both viewers and owners speechless. From fine art and sculptures to sports memorabilia and family heirlooms, here are 10 of the most valuable items ever found on the popular PBS show.
1. Patek Philippe Pocket Watch
In 2004, a man brought a 1914 Patek Philippe pocket watch to the show in St. Paul, Minnesota. Initially appraised at $250,000, its value was later updated to between $2 million and $3 million in 2018. The watch was a family heirloom passed down from the owner’s great-grandfather, and was worth so much due to its intricate craftsmanship and pristine condition.
2. Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Cups
During a 2011 “Antiques Roadshow” episode in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a collection of late 17th or early 18th-century Chinese rhinoceros horn cups were appraised at $1 million to $1.5 million. The carved cups were deemed extremely rare due to the scarcity of rhinoceros horns and the intricate artistry involved in making them. Not to mention how some rhino species are on the verge of extinction.
3. Boston Red Stockings’ Archive
In 2014, a woman’s archive of 1871-1872 Boston Red Stockings’ memorabilia was appraised at a whopping $1 million in New York. The impressive collection, which included some of the earliest-known baseball cards as well as a letter from the team’s first lineup, was considered valuable because it offered a unique glimpse into the early history of the sport.
4. Diego Rivera’s ‘El Albañil’ Painting
After bringing in a 1904 oil painting from acclaimed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, a man in Corpus Christi, Texas, walked away with an appraisal of $800,000 to $1 million in 2012. The painting, titled “El Albañil,” was later updated to a retail price of between $1.2 million and $2.2 million due to the prominence and historical significance of Rivera’s work.
5. Qianlong Jade Collection
In 2009, a woman brought an 18th-century Qianlong jade collection from the Qing dynasty to an “Antiques Roadshow” taping in Raleigh, North Carolina. Appraised at $710,000 to $1,070,000, the collection’s value was attributed to the jade’s exceptional quality coupled with the exquisite craftsmanship of one of China’s most prolific and culturally-significant periods in history.
6. Frederic Remington Portrait and Letter
During a 2014 show in Birmingham, Alabama, a man brought in a portrait of his great-grandfather painted by impressionist Frederic Remington, along with a letter signed by Remington himself. Appraised at $600,000 to $800,000, the value stemmed from Remington’s enduring appeal, coupled with the unique personal connection between the subject and artist.
7. Alexander Calder Mobile
This mid-20th-century hanging mobile by American sculptor Alexander Calder was brought to “Antiques Roadshow” in Miami in 2010. Initially appraised at a value of $400,000 to $600,000, it was later updated to $2 million in 2021. Renowned for his work in kinetic art, Calder’s mobiles have seen their value skyrocket over the years. The item was brought in by a woman who said her parents were avid art collectors; she was unaware of its value until the appraisal. (Sigh, why didn’t my folks collect art?)
8. Navajo Ute First Phase Blanket
In 2001, a man presented a Navajo blanket from 1850 in Tucson, Arizona, which was given to his family by American frontiersman, Kit Carson. Initially appraised at $350,000 to $500,000, its value was later updated to $1.5 million to $2 million in 2021. The blanket’s rarity, coupled with its pristine condition, cemented its status as a treasure of Native American textile art.
9. Fabergé Flower
On the BBC version of the show, a Fabergé flower ornament commissioned by the Countess of Dudley in 1903 was appraised at over £1 million (approximately $1.27 million) in 2002. With only about 80 known to exist, these botanical studies are highly prized for their ties to Russian imperial history and their “majestic beauty,” as noted by jewelry specialist Geoffrey Munn. (Also, the “water” the flower appears to sit in is actually a part of the ornament itself. Impressive, indeed.)
10. Leica Luxus II Camera
Dubbed the “world’s rarest camera,” this gold-plated Leica Luxus II camera was also appraised on the BBC version of “Antiques Roadshow” for a staggering £1.7 million (about $2.1 million) in 2001. One of only four made, the rarity and prestige of the Leica brand helped elevate its value among photography enthusiasts. Fun fact: the owner “used it for years” before knowing its worth.