Since 2009, Pawn Stars viewers have watched Rick Harrison and his family and friends at Las Vegas‘ World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop contemplate purchasing thousands of iconic items. There have been major wins and major losses. It’s fair to say that Harrison has regretted not purchasing many of the latter, but among those regrets was a classic toy that any comic book fan would envy. However, he had his reasons, opting out of the purchase because it didn’t make sense, considering its monetary and nostalgic value.
‘Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Found a Cool Superman Doll
In one episode, Harrison gets the chance to purchase the first-ever Superman Doll from 1939. The seller, John, had the item for several years. Harrison was immediately intrigued. Talking to Harrison and his sidekick, Chumlee, John revealed the doll was the first piece of merch done for Superman. “As a matter of fact, it’s the first superhero action figure of anybody,” he claimed. John knew the item was a winner, saying it was “really cool.” Considering how the popularity of superheroes has exploded, the first superhero action figure is an interesting bit of history, especially when it features a character as iconic as Superman.
The doll was equipped with the old Superman logo on the chest, which has changed over the years. “He was a smash hit from day one. Back in the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s, almost always, you’d go see a double feature at the movies. And in between the movies, you would have your animated shorts. So it would be like Woody Woodpecker or Superman. And those were really important because they drew in kids,” the pawn shop boss explained, noting how the character grew in popularity throughout the decades. In 2025, he’s still a memorable figure and recently led a new film. It’s no surprise that John set the antique apart and noted that the doll came in the original packaging. “I’ll tell you something else about the box. There are only 10, maybe 12 examples of this box being original that even exist,” he claimed.
The ‘Pawn Stars’ Staple Didn’t Buy the Superman Doll Due to Failed Negotiations
But a deal on Pawn Stars requires more than just interest. When Harrison asked for the price of the item, John told him that he was looking to get $6,000, which wasn’t something Harrison was willing to pay, so negotiations ensued. Harrison made a lowball offer of $2,000, which didn’t work for Chumlee. “You better get some kryptonite,” he joked. John wasn’t going for it. “If I can’t get $5,000, I’ll just have to go home with him. This same doll with a rag box at a big Americana auction 10 years ago brought a little over $10,000,” John explained. But Harrison didn’t budge.
“Truthfully, I turned down $3,500 about a month ago. So if I’m going to turn down $3,500, I’m probably not going to show up here today and settle for $2,500,” the seller said in the end. Ultimately, John opted to keep the item for a future potential sale, and Harrison’s refusal to negotiate further cost him the Superman action figure.
There Have Been Some Large ‘Pawn Stars’ Deals and Misses Over the Years
Despite missing out on the Superman collectible, Harrison and co. have gotten some sweet steals on the show. Some include a 2011 Super Bowl ring for the New England Patriots, which he purchased for $100k. Another was a 1932 Lincoln Roadster for $95,000, one of only 112 cars of that model to be produced with the convertible variety at the time.
His biggest miss was during Season 9 when he passed up an opportunity to own the recording contract The Beatles signed with manager Brian Epstein. “This contract is legendary,” he told viewers. “Some people consider it the most important document in the history of rock music.” It was valued at $1 million. Harrison offered $350k, which the seller declined. But whether it’s Superman collectables or music industry-shaping contracts, the losses are part of the show, keeping things interesting for Pawn Star fans.
Pawn Stars is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
Pawn Stars
- Release Date
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July 19, 2009
- Network
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History
- Directors
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Shannon Biggs
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Austin Lee Russell
Booker T
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Richard Benjamin Harrison
