If you’re not getting paid for another week and you need some instant cash to finance something important, whether that’s a tank of gas, a parking ticket or personal debt, then you might consider heading to a pawn shop.
“It’s fast, private, and doesn’t require a credit check,” says Seth Gold, a pawnbroker and reality television personality from Hardcore Pawn whose family owns and operates American Jewelry and Loan in Detroit, Michigan. “Once you repay what you borrowed, you get your item back—simple as that.”
You probably know you can pawn gold jewelry from watching Gold on shows like Hardcore Pawn, but there are things you probably already own that you could pawn, too. Spoiler alert: Yes, you can pawn those designer handbags stashed away in your closet.
Ahead, we spoke with pawn experts about 15 things you didn’t know you could pawn and why they work well in this more niche market. Whether you’re hoping to get quick cash or simply curious about hidden value, these unexpected finds might be worth more than you think.
1. Sporting Goods
Whether you play golf or love to bike ride, high-end golf clubs, professional bikes, or premium fishing gear can all bring in quick cash, according to Gold.
2. Silverware
Take a look at your utensils in the kitchen. “If you see the word “sterling,” that means they’re real silver, and with the silver market running strong, those pieces could be worth more than you think,” Gold says.
3. Pre-1964 Coins
If you have a stash of coins, then it’s worth looking through those. According to Gold, quarters, dimes, and half-dollars minted before 1964 contain silver and are worth more than face value, which makes them a good thing to pawn.
4. Gold Jewelry
You’ll want to take a look in your jewelry drawer to see if you have any gold pieces. “With prices approaching $4,000 an ounce, even a simple ring, chain, or bracelet can hold serious value,” says Gold. “The best part? You don’t have to sell it to use it. Selling gold is permanent, but pawning gives you flexibility—you can return the same piece whenever you need to tap into its value again.”
5. Electronics
Whether you have a PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or a new flat screen television, you can pawn these items. “Newer TVs, gaming systems, and quality sound equipment are commonly accepted and can bring in solid cash,” Gold tells GH.
6. Luxury Watches
If you’re a watch person, then you could get some use out of one currently sitting on your nightstand. According to Beth Anundi, pawn expert and owner of Capital Pawn & Couture, watches like Rolex, Omega, and Breitling are top-tier for pawning due to strong resale value and demand.
7. Designer Handbags
Is there a designer bag you had to have a few years back that’s currently sitting in the closet collecting dust? “From casual Coach totes to Louis Vuitton and Chanel, designer bags in clean condition are some of the most popular pawn items,” says Anundi.
8. Collectibles
Many people collect things, whether that’s trading cards, toys or even stuffed animals. “Hot Wheels, Pokémon cards, or sports memorabilia can fetch cash if they’re rare or in demand with collectors,” says Nick Fulton, pawn expert and chairman of the board of the Mississippi Pawn Association.
11. Sports Cards
According to Gold, that old baseball card collection gathering dust might be worth a lot more today. It’s time to dig up that collection from under your bed and see what it’s worth.
13. Vintage Wine
According to Gold, sealed collectible bottles or limited editions are a niche but valuable category in the right market. Take some time to look in your kitchen for an old bottle of wine that you’ve never opened and see what luck it brings you.
14. Welding Gear
Fulton says that welding gear, surveying equipment, or mechanics’ sets can all be pawned—especially in communities that value skilled trades. This is more of a niche item, but if you have it then you can use it to your advantage.
