Although Pawn Stars first hit off in 2009, the store had actually appeared on TV twice before.
First, the store was filmed in 2001 when PBS filmed a full-length documentary about the family and their Pawn shopping business. Two years later, the comedian Dave Attell showed up to kvetch about antique watches, a “wedding night instruction” scroll, and the pawn process during an episode of his ‘Insomniac’ show in 2003.
Rick And His Fans
Pawn Stars has loads of young fans, and one boy posted a letter to the shop along with his Game Boy in the hope of trading it in for $30. The young fan in question is an autistic child nicknamed Little J.
Not only did Rick send him the money, but he also sent back the Game Boy! As if that wasn't generous enough, he wrote him a letter to thank him and encouraged him to play, along with a signed photo with the cast.
You Won't Find Them Behind the Counter
Back when the show started, Gold & Silver was just like any other pawnshop - with most of their business being done over the counter.
But now, because of their success on TV, if we went into the store we won't see the cast at work. They're far more likely to be by the merchandise stand signing autographs.
Greek Artifacts
Many people bring antiques in the store, some of them have been around for years, even centuries. There was one coin, in particular, that was something extraordinary.
The coin was an antique that was proved to be a from 325 B.C., meaning it was a didrachm, an ancient Greek currency unit that would roughly be worth two dollars today - if not for inflation.
Between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors call at the shop each day
Many pawnshops receive around 5,000 visitors in a month, and that's a good month, but Gold & Silver get around that much in a single day!
On a daily basis, the store is flooded with tourists, which is why the way the guys do business has changed so much since the success of the show. In fact, there are fans who will go even as far as to sneak around the back to get a peek at the cast.