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Pawn Shop Owners Share Which Items They Pay the Most For

These items could bring the highest offers at pawn shops.

By Cat Lafuente , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated April 19, 2026

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If you're looking for a quick way to supplement your income, a trip to the pawn shop is worth considering. While not everything you have lying around is likely to command a high price, certain valuables stand out and bring in the bucks.

Pawn shop owners know exactly what's profitable (and what isn't), as they see it all, day in and day out. If you need some specific clarity, our savvy experts told us exactly what could make you the most on your next visit.

Editor's note: Prices are based on current availability, which is subject to change.

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Gold jewelry

Gold jewelry from top designers is often a hot item, according to Lauren Kaminsky Goldman, a third-generation Pawnbroker in New York City and founder of ByGOLDGIRL.

"Selling name-brand pieces usually carries a premium on the resale market," she says. "We always pay over gold spot prices for signed pieces from brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. (specifically pieces from the Love Collection at Cartier, Alhambra from VCA, and the Hardware collection from Tiffany & Co.)."

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Gold in any form

In addition to jewelry, gold in any form is a valuable commodity, states Adam Anundi, owner of Capital Pawn, which consists of five pawnshops in Willamette Valley, Oregon.

"Gold has risen 45% in the past year and hit its all-time high value of over $5,300 per ounce," he says. "Although the value for gold has since dropped, it still adds up in value very quickly. For this type of commodity, we will loan up to 100% of its gold value if it's a nice piece."

Sterling silver

Much like gold commands a high price at pawn shops, its sibling metal is also in demand, per Nick Fulton, Owner of USA Pawn of Mississippi.

"We are always paying strong for sterling silver serving platters, cups, and candelabras," he says. "Those types of items are super sought after currently. We have many customers who watch for new items to be posted on our website and will usually be in on the same day to shop."

A classic Italy sterling silver 10mm wide 26-inch necklace may get you $264, for example.

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Apple products

If you have high-end tech gadgets that you're looking to sell, they could be worth a lot of money, shares Jerry Stendara, Divisional VP at EZCORP.

"High-end tech like the latest-generation MacBook Pro or iPhone is a strong category for us," he says. "Buyers are always looking, and the value is there when the device is in good condition."

EZCORP is currently selling an Apple laptop for $1,699.99 and an iPhone for $784.99.

Rare collectible sport cards

As long as the player is a well-documented champion of the sport, and the card is exceptionally rare, Brent Schepel, the Co-Founder at Replay Sports Cards, says money could be made.

"I once spent $25,000 on an ultra-rare Michael Jordan patch autograph card that was limited to only 25 copies," he says. "Buying an ultra-rare card of the NBA's greatest player of all time helped protect against any potential market volatility and fluctuation."

Vintage flatware

According to Goldman, vintage flatware sets used to be ubiquitous, passed down from family member to family member. Valuable brands include Reed & Barton, Tiffany & Co, and Georg Jensen.

"We've even seen Cartier pieces with gold around the handles," she says. "It's important to look for hallmarks and any indicators of what the items are, specifically something that signifies if it is made out of sterling silver (925) and not silver plated."

For full sets, Goldman usually pays $2,000 and up, depending on the brand, metal, weight, and the current price of precious metals.

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Luxury handbags

Designer handbags, perhaps not surprisingly, could command a lot of money, per Anundi. A Fendi laminated Sunshine Shopper mini tote is currently selling for $1,059, for example.

"I will always pay for luxury items like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci," he says. "However, one thing remains constant: the better the condition, the more I will pay for it. Luxury bags must be in very good to new condition with no odors."

Goldman notes that Hermes and Chanel, specifically Birkins, Kellys, and any classic or vintage Chanel bags are prized.

Nike tennis shoes

Some sneakers with that famous swoosh could result in a significant payday at the pawn shop, as noted by Fulton. Their sale price for a pair of Nike Dunk Low HF5441 shoes in royal blue is $84.95.

"We love Nike tennis shoes in very good condition," he says. "We have a lot of customers who shop daily looking for collectable shoes. Having the box is a must."

Limited-edition sneakers

In addition to Nike tennis shoes, there's a thriving market for other brands of sneakers that stand out from the crowd, shares Stendara. A pair of Gucci platform sneakers is currently selling for $549.99.

"With limited-edition sneakers, when they come in with certificates of authentication and in great condition, we know the buyers are there, and we could make a strong offer," he says.

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Luxury watches

If you have a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch you're not treasuring as you should, Anundi says you'll receive top dollar for it, much like you would gold.

"Luxury watches will receive the highest offer based on their resale value," he says. "One can expect to receive from 70% to 95% of its resale value on this category of merchandise."

Lawn mowers

Once the winter snows melt, these common garden appliances become a high-volume sales item at pawn shops, explains Fulton.

"When the grass begins to grow, we can't keep enough lawn mowers, so we offer more on them during the spring and summer seasons," he says. "We normally sell them the day they hit the sales floor."

A Husqvarna Z242F zero-turn mower is currently available for $2,499.

Bottom line

Understanding what pawn shops value most helps you make smart choices when it's time to sell. Not everything is likely to bring in a high offer, but precious metals, in-demand tech, and well-maintained collectibles could put extra cash in your pocket.

It's also worth taking some time to clean, organize, and research your items before heading in. With the right preparation, you could make money while clearing out clutter and making the most of what you own.

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