This man bought a $5 plate and you won't believe its shocking true value!
- Replies 0
Imagine strolling through your favorite thrift store, casually browsing the shelves, when something catches your eye—a simple, unassuming plate priced at just $4.99.
It looks like any other dish, maybe a little older, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Now, picture finding out later that this small purchase could be worth thousands. Sounds unbelievable, right?
Well, that’s exactly what happened to John Carcerano, an Illinois resident and seasoned thrifter, who unknowingly walked out of a Goodwill store holding a piece of history in his hands.
A once-overlooked treasure was about to change everything!
John Carcerano, a carpet cleaner by trade with a 35-year side hustle in buying and selling antiques, knows the thrill of the thrift. On what seemed like an ordinary day, he walked into a Goodwill store and left with a piece of history.
Tucked beneath a contemporary plate, a seemingly unremarkable piece of porcelain caught his eye. Little did he know, this plate was not just any old kitchenware—it was an 18th-century Chinese armorial export plate.
In a world where technology and history intertwine, Carcerano used Google Lens to snap a photo of his find. Within minutes, he uncovered that a similar plate had recently fetched a staggering $4,400 at auction.
This revelation was just the beginning of an exciting journey that would lead him to some of the most prestigious auction houses in the country.
Carcerano's instincts led him to seek expert opinions. He approached Sotheby’s in New York, where a Chinese export specialist confirmed the plate’s authenticity and significant value.
Bonhams and Leslie Hindman in Chicago echoed the sentiment, identifying the plate as a "Chinese export armorial chamfered rectangular platter" from the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, circa 1775. The estimated value? A cool $4,000 to $6,000.
What set Carcerano’s plate apart was its pristine condition. "It was never eaten on or used; no scratches," he explained. His find was not just a rare artifact—it was a well-preserved slice of history.
Carcerano also turned to antique Chinese porcelain groups on Facebook, where fellow enthusiasts confirmed his suspicions about the plate’s rarity and value.
Carcerano’s years of experience have taught him that timing is crucial when it comes to thrifting.
He often spends hours waiting for new carts of items to be rolled out, knowing that "by the time they make it to the shelves, most good stuff is gone." His patience and keen eye for detail have certainly paid off in this instance.
This story isn’t just about a lucky find; it’s a testament to the potential treasures that lie hidden in plain sight at thrift stores across the nation.
It’s a reminder to all of us, especially those of us in the over-60s community who appreciate the value of the past, that there are still undiscovered pieces of history waiting to be found.
For those of us who enjoy the hunt, Carcerano’s story is an inspiration. It encourages us to keep exploring, to look beyond the surface, and to trust our instincts.
Who knows? The next time you’re sifting through a pile of second-hand items, you might just uncover a relic that’s not only rich in history but also in value.
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while thrifting? What was your most exciting or unexpected find? Share your stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear about the treasures you’ve uncovered!
Also read: This secret coin in your pocket that could be worth over $150,000–are you among the lucky ones?
It looks like any other dish, maybe a little older, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Now, picture finding out later that this small purchase could be worth thousands. Sounds unbelievable, right?
Well, that’s exactly what happened to John Carcerano, an Illinois resident and seasoned thrifter, who unknowingly walked out of a Goodwill store holding a piece of history in his hands.
A once-overlooked treasure was about to change everything!
An unassuming plate spotted at a thrift store—little did the buyer know, it held a surprising history. Image Source: Pexels / Ksenia Chernaya.
The art of the thrift: A $5 investment turns historic
John Carcerano, a carpet cleaner by trade with a 35-year side hustle in buying and selling antiques, knows the thrill of the thrift. On what seemed like an ordinary day, he walked into a Goodwill store and left with a piece of history.
Tucked beneath a contemporary plate, a seemingly unremarkable piece of porcelain caught his eye. Little did he know, this plate was not just any old kitchenware—it was an 18th-century Chinese armorial export plate.
The discovery: A tech-savvy treasure hunt
In a world where technology and history intertwine, Carcerano used Google Lens to snap a photo of his find. Within minutes, he uncovered that a similar plate had recently fetched a staggering $4,400 at auction.
This revelation was just the beginning of an exciting journey that would lead him to some of the most prestigious auction houses in the country.
The validation: A journey through auction houses
Carcerano's instincts led him to seek expert opinions. He approached Sotheby’s in New York, where a Chinese export specialist confirmed the plate’s authenticity and significant value.
Bonhams and Leslie Hindman in Chicago echoed the sentiment, identifying the plate as a "Chinese export armorial chamfered rectangular platter" from the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, circa 1775. The estimated value? A cool $4,000 to $6,000.
A hidden treasure—this 18th-century Chinese armorial export plate was purchased for just $4.99 at Goodwill but turned out to be worth thousands. Image Source: New York Post / John Carcerano.
The secret to success: Condition is king
What set Carcerano’s plate apart was its pristine condition. "It was never eaten on or used; no scratches," he explained. His find was not just a rare artifact—it was a well-preserved slice of history.
Carcerano also turned to antique Chinese porcelain groups on Facebook, where fellow enthusiasts confirmed his suspicions about the plate’s rarity and value.
The strategy: Timing is everything
Carcerano’s years of experience have taught him that timing is crucial when it comes to thrifting.
He often spends hours waiting for new carts of items to be rolled out, knowing that "by the time they make it to the shelves, most good stuff is gone." His patience and keen eye for detail have certainly paid off in this instance.
The takeaway: Hidden treasures await
This story isn’t just about a lucky find; it’s a testament to the potential treasures that lie hidden in plain sight at thrift stores across the nation.
It’s a reminder to all of us, especially those of us in the over-60s community who appreciate the value of the past, that there are still undiscovered pieces of history waiting to be found.
For those of us who enjoy the hunt, Carcerano’s story is an inspiration. It encourages us to keep exploring, to look beyond the surface, and to trust our instincts.
Who knows? The next time you’re sifting through a pile of second-hand items, you might just uncover a relic that’s not only rich in history but also in value.
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while thrifting? What was your most exciting or unexpected find? Share your stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear about the treasures you’ve uncovered!
Also read: This secret coin in your pocket that could be worth over $150,000–are you among the lucky ones?
