27 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Pawn for Quick Cash in 2024

Pawning items at pawn shops is one of the best ways to make quick cash. When you think about pawn shops, expensive items like jewelry, electronics, and watches likely come to mind.  

Did you know you can pawn less traditional stuff like kids’ items, old books, camping gear, and hunting gear?

Have you missed an opportunity to make quick money because you thought you had nothing to pawn? I’ll share 27 things you didn’t know you could pawn. I’ve made extra cash by pawning some of these items.

The Things You Didn’t Know You Could Pawn

Here’s a list of things that aren’t usually pawned, but you can make quick cash out of them.

1. Sports Equipment

You can pawn sports equipment to get quick cash from pawn shops. They, however, have to be valuable to fetch a reasonable amount. 

Some of the sports equipment you could pawn include:

• Fishing equipment
• Baseball Bats
• Snowboards
• Mountain bikes
• Skates
• Roller blades
• Tennis rackets
• Volleyball nets

2. Workout Equipment

If you have valuable workout equipment you no longer use, you can pawn them for a few dollars.

You can pawn the following workout equipment:

• Peloton bikes
• Treadmills
• Dumbbells
• Bench press
• Hypertension bench
• Indoor cycle bike
• Foam roller

Not all pawn shops accept fitness equipment; you may need to scout for those that do. However, they can fetch top dollar. 

3. Musical Instruments

If you have a musical instrument you’re not interested in anymore, consider pawning it for cash. Musical instruments are always in demand, so you’ll likely get a decent amount. 

Some of the musical instruments you could easily exchange for cash include:

• Guitars
• Clarinets
• Flutes
• Trumpets
• Violins
• Harps

The higher the sound quality, the higher the money you can get for the instrument. You can also pawn faulty devices, earning you a lower price. 

You can also pawn large instruments like drum sets, but pawn shops may not be willing to pick them because of their size.

4. Firearms

Another thing you didn’t know you could pawn for cash is firearms. The amount of money you can earn depends on the value of the gun and its condition. You can earn quite some cash if it’s an expensive model that’s not too old.

It’s crucial to note that the firearm must be registered in your name to pawn it. If it isn’t, it’ll be flagged as stolen. Ensure you have the relevant documents proving you own the gun. If you received it as a gift, change ownership before attempting to pawn it. 

Not all pawn shops accept firearms, so you may need to call beforehand to check if they do.

5. Rare Trading Cards

Another surprising thing you can pawn is rare trading cards. You only need to have the right card. Some of them are valuable and can earn you a large sum of money. 

Consider pawning trading cards like Pokemon or Yugioh cards. The value of these cards depends on rarity, demand, and condition.

You can also pawn sports cards like basketball and baseball. They’re famous, so pawn shops will be willing to pick them. Ensure they’re in mint condition to earn the most from pawning them. It also helps if they’re for famous, loved players. 

6. Jewellery and Watches

Jewellery is an excellent option because you can pawn them at any shop, especially if they’re brand names. 

You may not be able to sell them for their original purchase price, but your necklaces, rings, and bracelets can still fetch a reasonable amount.

Watches are popular items to pawn because many people buy watches from pawn shops to save money. High-end designer watches like Rolex, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co can earn you top dollar.

A functional watch will earn more than a faulty one. If your watch has stopped working, check the batteries and get them fixed before you take it to the pawn shop.

Knowing the actual value of your jewelry or watches beforehand is imperative so you don’t go too far below the bar. 

7. Gaming Consoles

Video gaming consoles can fetch a decent amount if they’re in good condition. You can pawn gaming consoles like:

• Nintendo Switch
• Amazon Luna
• Sony PlayStation 4, 4 Pro, 5
• Xbox One, Xbox 360

Ensure the consoles you intend to pawn are clean, functional, and in good condition. The more vintage consoles like Atari Flashback and NeoGeo Mini may earn you more money than the newer ones.

Bringing the owner’s manual to the pawn shop and the console is also essential. Having the original packaging is a plus. 

8. Rare Stamps

Stamp collecting is an actual hobby that many people indulge in. Collectors are always looking for more stamps to add to their collections.

If you’re lucky to have a stamp collection and don’t mind giving up, you can fetch some quick cash. Pawn shops are always willing to buy stamp collections, especially if they’re rare and valuable.

The price of a collection will depend on its demand, rarity, condition, margins, perforations, and color soundness.

The Prestige Pawnbrokers is a good pawnshop to consider if you’re in England. They accept the following stamps:

• Penny Black
• Two Pence Blue
• International stamps of value

9. Vinyl Records

Vinyl records aren’t as popular today as they were years ago. They, therefore, may not fetch you a lot of money unless they’re limited edition or signed.

Pawning your record player together with the vinyl records will earn you more than if you sell the records alone. 

You’ll likely make more money if you have rare albums in mint condition. Examples of the rarest vintage records are:

• Michael Jackson, Thriller
• Queen, Hot Space
• The Beatles, The Beatles (aka The White Album)

10. Autographs

Do you have an autographed item packed away in a box in your attic? This is an excellent opportunity for you to make some quick cash. 

Many pawn shops are willing to take the autographed jerseys, golf balls, photographs, or books off your hands, especially if timelessly famous people have signed them.

The value of your item will depend on its condition and the autograph’s rarity. The signer is also an essential determiner of price. 

Autographs signed by less famous people may fetch just a few hundred dollars compared to the thousands you could earn from pawning items from more famous people.

You should check for the actual value of your item depending on the above factors so that you aren’t underpaid. 

11. Old Books and Comic Books

Old and comic books are probably some things you didn’t know you could pawn. Books are less common than jewelry in the pawning field, but they still have the potential to earn a decent amount. 

An old, well-known book or manuscript will likely be highly sought after. Pawn shops will be willing to give you money for such a book.

It’s even better if a famous author autographs the book. You’ll, however, need to prove the signature’s authenticity. First editions of classic books are also valuable and are good collateral for loans at pawn shops.

You’re in luck if you’re a comic book collector. You can also pawn these items. First-edition or well-kept comics from famous franchises like Marvel or DC can be worth it.

12. Vintage Items

The popularity of vintage decorations has increased demand for vintage merchandise such as clocks, telescopes, gramophones, and even old typewriters.

This makes vintage items a valuable option for pawning. Some pawn shops specialize in vintage items. They accept various things, from vinyl records to vintage clothing.

Of concern to them is your item’s age, design, and rarity. It also helps if your item is in good condition and high quality. You’ll likely earn more if your items have rare graphics or wording.

13. Antiques

Another category of things you didn’t think you could pawn is Antiques. 

You may be surprised to know the value of that old watch your grandma gifted you years back or the antique doll you played with as a child. You can use such valuable items as collateral for loans at pawn shops.

Ironically, one way to ruin antiques is to clean them. This is because you may clean them in a way that ruins the polish or finish. This would decrease their value and make you earn less than you would’ve in the first place. 

Don’t do it if you’re unsure how to clean an antique properly. Making sure it’s presentable will suffice.

14. Kids Items

Some of the things you didn’t know pawn shops always buy are children’s toys. The demand for such things is timeless. People would much rather get a second-hand stroller than a new one. 

If you have your kids’ items stacked away and gathering dust somewhere, you can eliminate them to create more space while making quick cash.

Other kids’ items you could pawn include:

• Car seats
• Children Clothes
• Cribs

15. Collectible Figurines

The market for collectibles expands each day. Collectors and fans are always looking to grow their collections. These items may range from movie-related figures to characters from comic books.

Examples of collections that are hot in the market include the following brands:

• Pokemon
• Marvel
• Barbie
• GI Joe
• Disney VHS tapes
• Star Wars

If you’re a collector whose collecting days have ended, consider pawning your collection for cash.

Like any other items you can pawn, your figurines will earn a pretty penny if they’re in good condition. It also helps if they come in their original packaging. 

16. Camping Gear

Camping gear is another excellent example of unusual things you can pawn. These items are expensive; therefore, they can earn you top dollar.

You can pawn items such as:

• Camping tents
• Fishing gear
• Hatchets

For your camping gear to be more valuable, you must ensure they’re in good condition. Take time to repair any damaged ones before you take them to a pawn shop. They should also be clean.

17. Hunting Gear

Another thing you probably didn’t know you could pawn is hunting gear. Like camping equipment, hunting gear is quite expensive, so you can pawn them quickly. 

Here are examples of hunting gear you could pawn:

• Hunting rifles
• Crossbows
• Hunting blinds
• Backpacks
• Hunting stands
• Tents 
• Camouflage suits

The rule of thumb that the better the condition of your item, the more you’ll earn from it applies here.

18. Cars, Motorcycles & Bikes

A lot of people don’t know that you can pawn vehicles. Selling your car through a dealership may take some time. If you have a vehicle you wouldn’t mind getting rid of, consider pawning it for quick cash. 

Pawn shops are willing to give you money in exchange for your vehicle because cars have a vast flipping margin. 

Classic and luxury cars like Porsche and Ferrari can fetch a reasonable amount, but if you have others like Ford or Honda, you still can earn a decent amount. 

A motorcycle in good condition also has the potential to earn you a good amount of money. It’s even better if it’s a luxury item.

Road bikes are great pawn options because they sell at high prices. You can also exchange other bikes like mountain bikes.

19. Old Cameras

If you bought a camera years back and no longer use it, you can pawn it for cash. You can also eliminate old cameras if you upgrade to a better one.

Cameras are always in demand because photography is a popular hobby among people. Therefore, it’s one of the items commonly accepted by pawn shops.

The best companies to contact if you want to pawn camera gear are KEH and B & H. Both shops will offer you great prices for your equipment. KEH even offers you a bonus on the value of your payout.

Like watches and cars, a camera’s price depends on its brand, age, condition, and rarity.

20. Sculptures

Another category of items you didn’t think you could pawn is sculptures. Like antique and vintage collectibles, sculptures are also valuable. 

People who’re passionate about art are always collecting such sculptures. If you have one that no longer fits your home decor, it may be worth some dollars at a pawn shop. 

The value of a sculpture depends on the materials used, the artist who made it, and its size. 

It’s vital to know the actual value of your peace so that you get an almost equivalent amount. It’s also essential to have details about the sculpture and its artist.

Another tip is to consider pawning your sculptures to a shop that specializes in them. Such shops are more knowledgeable about sculptures and more likely to offer you the best price.

21. Historical Letters

Believe it or not, historical letters are among the items pawn shops always buy. These are letters that shine a spotlight on critical historical events.

They’re extremely rare, but if you own one, why not take the chance to earn some cash? You can get a sweet deal on it.

Instead of letting them collect dust on your shelf, you could take them to a pawn shop. They‘ll first need to verify its authenticity. Once they do so, they’ll offer you some cash based on the value of the letter. 

Value is gauged depending on the author, the subject matter, rarity, and condition. You may get a better deal at a pawn shop specializing in historical items than a general one.

22. Coins

Surprisingly, you can also pawn rare coins. These include gold coins, silver dollars, and rare quarters.

The value of these coins shifts in response to market conditions. It’s, therefore, essential to assess the state of the market so that you know what they’re worth beforehand.

The money you get at the pawn shop will be less than market value, but it’s better than nothing. This amount should be reasonable. 

23. Power Tools

It’s easy to think of tools as not being worth a lot. Power tools are common items at pawn shops. 

Old tools you no longer need can fetch a few dollars if they’re in good condition. Examples of tools you could pawn are:

• Drills
• Grinders
• Power Saws
• Nail Guns
• Sanders
• Lawn mowers & other landscaping tools

You must ensure the tools are correctly working to earn decent cash. If they need to be repaired, do it before you pawn them. They may only be accepted if they are good.

You can get up to $200, depending on the brand. The most valuable brands include:

• Bosch
• Marita
• Hitachi

24. Cookware

You probably didn’t know you could pawn cookware for cash. They’re also accepted by pawn shops alongside conventional items like jewelry.

You can pawn individual pots and pans separately, but you’ll likely earn more if you pawn a set at a go.

Also, they have to be in working condition to sell. Their price is also dependent on the material they’re made of.

25. Pet Supplies

Has your pet outgrown some of its old gear? Don’t worry about what to do with his old supplies. You can take them to a pawn shop to make quick cash.

These items are always in demand because people are getting new pets. Here’s a list of the pet supplies you could pawn:

• Pet beds
• Collars
• Clothing

26. Household Appliances

Pawn shops accept household appliances such as:

• Toasters
• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Vacuum cleaners
• Space heaters

If you have any household appliance you no longer use, consider offering it to a pawn shop in exchange for cash. The value will depend on the brand and condition of the appliance.

27. Handmade Items

If you’re a craft artist, knit, or crochet in your free time, this is a chance to turn your hobby into a side hustle. You could pawn this stuff for cash.

You could also turn the woodwork items you no longer need into cash. The item’s value will depend on what it is and the material it’s made of. Also, the better the condition, the more you’ll earn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Pawn Shops Buy for the Most Money?

Some items move faster than others at pawn shops. Pawning such items will likely earn you more money.

Some high-demand pawn items include:

• Electronics like televisions
• Jewellery, especially those with precious gemstones or diamonds
• Musical instruments like guitars
• Power tools like power saws
• Modern and classic cars

What Can I Pawn for 100 Dollars?

Pawning an item for $100 has to be highly valuable. It also has to be in good condition. The following are items you could pawn for $100:

• Televisions
• Laptops
• Musical instruments like guitars
• Workout equipment

What Can I Pawn for 500 Dollars?

Below is a list of items you can pawn for $500:

• Vintage items like old watches
• Collectible figurines
• Rare coins
• Sports cards

What Can I Pawn for 1000 Dollars?

Pawning an item for $1000 has to be extremely valuable. Pawn shops will always give you an amount lower than the actual value. 

For $1000, you can pawn the following items:

• High-quality diamonds
• High-end designer watches
• Motorcycles
• Riding lawn mowers

What Will Pawn Shops Not Buy?

Pawn shops will likely take anything of value from your hands. They may, however, have a few exceptions.

A pawn shop may only accept some items if damaged when they can sell the damaged goods to parts dealers or recycle shops at a profit.

Pawn shops don’t buy illegal goods like drugs and unlicenced firearms. They also don’t deal with stolen goods. You must provide proof of ownership, especially for expensive items like cars.

Keep in mind that some items are accepted at specific pawn shops. For instance, not all pawn shops will take vehicles.

What Household Items Can I Pawn?

You can pawn almost all household items, including the following:

• Clothing and accessories
• Kitchen equipment like cookware
• Furniture
• Household tools like hammers

Is It Illegal to Pawn Something You Found?

It’s illegal to pawn items that don’t belong to you. You may be charged with a felony for pawning such items.

What Documents Do I Need to Pawn Something?

To Pawn items, you need some documents that prove ownership. For example, you must provide legal documents and licenses for a gun you intend to pawn.

The following are documents you need to bring to a pawn shop:

• A valid ID
• Proof of ownership, e.g., a receipt 
• Proof of value, especially for antiques

Final Thoughts

Pawn shops are great for quick cash, especially when you’re in a tight financial spot. They don’t pay full value, but at least they’re a reliable source of fast income. 

There are many things pawn shops accept in addition to conventional items like jewelry. Don’t hesitate to pawn items like vehicles, cookware, pet supplies, and collectible figurines if you need cash.

It’s wise to look at several pawn shops to compare the offers they’re willing to pay rather than just settling on one. It’s also crucial to know the actual value of your item so that the pawn shop doesn’t underpay you.

Remember that you must provide relevant documents proving ownership and value for some items like firearms and autographs. With all this in mind, declutter your house by pawning some stuff for cash.

Want other ways to make quick cash? Checkout these posts:

• How to Make $200 Fast
• How to Make $1,000 in 24 Hours