Antiques Roadshow has captivated audiences for decades with its fascinating appraisals of valuable and historical items. From paintings and sculptures to furniture and jewelry, the show has brought some of the world’s rarest and most valuable antiques to light.
In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the most expensive items ever appraised on Antiques Roadshow.
From rare collectibles to historical artifacts, these items have impressed the show’s experts and astounded viewers with their incredible value. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the most expensive and valuable items on Antiques Roadshow.
6. Banksy’s “Mobile Lovers”
Episode: Unspecified
Season: Unspecified
photo source: Artnet News
Banksy’s “Mobile Lovers” is a powerful and thought-provoking artwork featured on an Antiques Roadshow episode. The piece was brought in by a couple who had acquired it from Banksy, who had gifted it to them after they had allowed him to use their property as a canvas for one of his murals.
The artwork depicts two lovers embracing while checking their mobile phones, with the man’s face buried in his phone and the woman’s head tilted towards him. The piece comments on the paradoxical nature of technology and human interaction and how it can bring people closer together and drive them apart. On the episode of Antiques Roadshow, the artwork was appraised at a staggering $670,000.
The appraiser noted that Banksy’s recent work had skyrocketed in value and that “Mobile Lovers” was particularly significant due to its provenance and social commentary. The couple who owned the piece was thrilled with the appraisal and the attention their artwork received, highlighting Banksy’s work’s continued cultural impact.
Did You Know?
Banksy is known for his street art and politically charged messages, and “Mobile Lovers” is no exception. The piece was initially created as a street mural in Bristol, UK, before being removed and placed in a gallery for public display.
5. Angel of the North
Episode: 3
Season: 20
photo source: The Telegraph
The Angel of the North is a stunning sculpture that stands over 20 meters tall and was featured on an episode of Antiques Roadshow in 2008. The statue was created by British artist Antony Gormley and was erected in 1998 in Gateshead, UK.
The sculpture consists of a massive angelic figure with outstretched wings made of steel plates cut and welded together. It has become an iconic symbol of the North East of England and a famous landmark millions visit yearly.
The appraisal highlighted the cultural significance of the Angel of the North and its role in shaping the identity of the North East of England. The sculpture has become a source of pride for the region and a symbol of its resilience and strength. Its value is not just in its monetary worth but in the emotional and cultural connections it has forged with people worldwide.
Did You Know?
The sculpture was constructed from weather-resistant steel, which forms a protective layer of rust on its surface. This means that the sculpture’s appearance changes over time, as the rust gives it a unique patina that evolves with the weather conditions.
4. Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Cups
Episode: Unspecified
Season: 16
photo source: ABC
Chinese rhinoceros horn cups are a rare and highly valued type of antique featured on an Antiques Roadshow episode in 2011. These cups were made in China during the 17th century and are highly prized for their intricate carvings and the rarity of the material used to create them.
The Rhinoceros horn was a popular material for Chinese artisans during this time, as it was considered a symbol of wealth and luxury. In addition, the cups were often used for ceremonial purposes and were highly prized by the ruling class of the time.
In the Antiques Roadshow episode, a set of five rhinoceros horn cups were brought in by a private collector who had inherited them from his family. The cups were beautifully carved with intricate designs of dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures and were in excellent condition.
The appraiser noted that these cups were incredibly rare, as the rhinoceros horn trade is now illegal due to the animal species’ extinction threat. However, the cups were also highly sought after by collectors, which drove their value up to an astounding $1 million.
Did You Know?
Chinese rhinoceros horn cups were highly prized by Chinese emperors and nobles during the Ming and Qing dynasties and were often used for drinking wine during special occasions and rituals.
3. Boston Red Stockings Baseball Cards
Episode: 25
Season: 25
photo source: MLB.com
The Boston Red Stockings baseball cards are a rare and precious set of antique sports memorabilia featured on an Antiques Roadshow episode in 2017. These cards were produced in the 19th century and feature images of players from the Boston Red Stockings, one of the earliest professional baseball teams in the United States.
The Boston Red Stockings were founded in 1871 and quickly became among the most successful teams in the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players.
The team was known for its innovative style of play and talented players, many of whom are featured on the baseball cards. On the Antiques Roadshow episode, a set of 12 Boston Red Stockings baseball cards were brought in by a private collector who had inherited them from his grandfather. The cards were in excellent condition, with vibrant colors and crisp images of the players.
Did You Know?
The appraiser noted that these cards were scarce, produced in minimal numbers, and many had been lost or destroyed over time.
2. Faberge Flower
Episode: Unspecified
Season: Unspecified
photo source: Evening Standard
The Fabergé Flower is a stunning piece of antique jewelry featured on an episode of Antiques Roadshow in 2017. This exquisite piece was created by the renowned Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé and is made of gold, diamonds, and other precious gems.
The Fabergé Flower is designed to look like a bouquet, with delicate gold petals and leaves that are intricately crafted and adorned with sparkling diamonds and gemstones.
The center of the flower is a rare pink diamond, which adds to the piece’s value and rarity. In the Antiques Roadshow episode, the Fabergé Flower was brought in by a private collector who had inherited it from his family. The appraiser was immediately struck by the beauty and craftsmanship of the piece and noted that it was a scarce example of Fabergé’s work.
Did You Know?
Peter Carl Fabergé was among the most celebrated jewelers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His pieces were highly sought after by the Russian royal family and other wealthy clients.
1. 1914 Patek Phillippe Pocket Watch
Episode: 24
Season: 23
photo source: PBS
The 1914 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch is a rare and exquisite piece of antique timekeeping featured on an Antiques Roadshow episode. This pocket watch was appraised at $3 to $5 million, making it the most expensive item on Antiques Roadshow.
It is considered one of the finest examples of Patek Philippe’s work and is highly valued by collectors and horology enthusiasts worldwide.
The Patek Philippe Pocket Watch is crafted from 18-karat gold and features intricate and elegant details. The watch face is made of white enamel and is adorned with gold numerals, minute markers, and a small seconds sub-dial. The watch case is also decorated with finely wrought details, including a laurel wreath and a monogram.
Did You Know?
Patek Philippe has been a renowned Swiss watchmaker since 1839 and is known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
