Discovering a hidden treasure in an unexpected place is a thrill like no other. In 2024, artworks and valuable artifacts didn’t just turn up in the most surprising locations—from thrift stores to musty old attics—some of them made quite the mint on the auction block. Here are 7 discoveries that turned out to be worth a fortune in 2024.
A Lost Constable Painting Bought for $37 Has Been Authenticated on Live TV
By Sofia Hallström, February 12, 2024
Robert Darvell (left) owner of the Constable painting with antiques dealer and forgeries expert Curtis Dowling (right). Courtesy Curtis Dowling.
A tiny painting by British artist John Constable was found in a cupboard during a renovation. Bought for $37 at an auction years ago, the authenticated work could now be worth $315,000.
A Rare Lego Piece Found at a Thrift Store Sells for More Than $18,000
By Patrick Sproull, March 5, 2024
The 14K Gold Lego Bionicle Hau mask. Photo: ShopGoodwill.
A sealed vintage Lego set, discovered in a donated jewelry box at Goodwill, sold for $18,000 at auction. The set included a rare 14-karat gold Bionicle Hau mask, making it a dream find for collectors.
A Woman’s Humble Antique Market Find Sells for $15,000 At Auction
By Jo Lawson-Tancred, March 20, 2024
A Victorian brooch by William Burges. Photo: Gildings Auctioneers.
A Victorian brooch bought for just $25 at an antiques market was identified on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow as a rare treasure by William Burges and sold for $15,000 at auction.
‘Antiques Roadshow’ Stunner: $40 Painting Revealed as Dutch Masterpiece
By Richard Whiddington, September 25, 2024
It is believed Oeder painted the work at the turn of the century. Photo: BBC/Antiques Roadshow.
A painting bought for a few dollars at a thrift shop turned out to be a 17th-century masterpiece by Frans David Oerder. Featured on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, the pastoral scene could sell for up to $120,000 at auction.
‘Horrible’ Painting Found by a Junk Dealer Could Be a Picasso Worth $6 Million
By Jo Lawson-Tancred, October 1, 2024
A painting owned by the Lo Rosso family in Capri, Italy has recently been attributed to Picasso. It is believed to be a portrait of Dora Maar. Photo courtesy of Andrea Lo Rosso.
An Italian junk dealer was ready to throw out a Pablo Picasso painting that had be hung on his living room wall in Capri for years. Signed by the artist, the painting sold for $130,000.
A $50 Painting Bought at a Barn Sale in the Hamptons Could Fetch $150,000 at Auction
By Jo Lawson-Tancred, October 4, 2024
Emily Carr, Masset, Q.C.I.. Image courtesy Heffel Fine Art Auction House.
A shopper in the Hamptons purchased a painting for $50 at a barn sale, only to later learn it was by renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr. Titled Masset, Q.C.I. and painted in 1912, the artwork was authenticated by experts, and sold for $290,000 at auction in Toronto.
Painting Bought for $2,700 Revealed to Be $390,000 Masterpiece
By Verity Babbs, October 23, 2024
The now-confirmed Helen McNicoll painting. Courtesy of BBC Studios.
A painting by Canadian Impressionist Helen McNicoll, bought cheaply in a 1960s plastic frame, turned out to be a lost masterpiece. After authentication on BBC’s Fake or Fortune, its value soared to $390,000.