Rick Harrison is not your typical businessman. As the co-owner of Las Vegas’ famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and the face of the hit series Pawn Stars, Harrison has carved out a legacy that blends old-school grit with modern fame. As of 2025, Rick Harrison’s net worth is estimated at $9 million, a reflection of years of entrepreneurship, media success, and real estate ventures.
Early Life Shaped by Challenges
Born Richard Kevin Harrison on March 22, 1965, in Lexington, North Carolina, Rick is now 60 years old. His early years were marked by medical hardship. At just eight years old, he began experiencing epileptic seizures, a condition that kept him confined to bed for long stretches. But this limitation became a blessing in disguise—it sparked a deep love for reading, especially history, which would later influence his business style and television persona.
The Harrison family moved to San Diego, California, when Rick was two, and later relocated to Las Vegas in 1981, a move that changed the family’s future. Rick dropped out of Taft Middle School in the tenth grade to pursue business dreams. One of his earliest hustles involved selling fake Gucci bags, earning up to $2,000 per week as a teenager.
Building the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Rick’s father, Richard Harrison, opened the Gold & Silver Coin Shop in Las Vegas in the early 1980s. Rick joined the family business while also working nights repossessing cars. The family faced serious setbacks—most notably in 1988 when they lost their store’s lease. But in 1989, everything shifted when they secured a pawn license and rebranded as the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, located on Las Vegas Boulevard.
This shop became a local fixture, known for its diverse and sometimes bizarre inventory. By 2005, it was lending out $3 million annually and earning around $700,000 in revenue from interest alone.
The Rise of Pawn Stars
Rick had a vision: turn the pawn business into a TV show. It took four years of pitching before the History Channel greenlit the project. Premiering in 2009, Pawn Stars became a massive hit, quickly rising to become the channel’s highest-rated show. Rick, known as “The Spotter,” was the expert who could sniff out undervalued treasures and close a deal like a seasoned pro.
As of June 2023, Pawn Stars had aired 21 seasons and 633 episodes. The show’s success didn’t just bring fame—it significantly added to Rick’s fortune. Television contracts, merchandising, and residuals made Pawn Stars a key source of income for the Harrison family.
Rick Harrison’s Family and Personal Life
Rick’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He has three sons from previous relationships:
- Corey Harrison, who also stars in Pawn Stars
- Adam Harrison, who stayed out of the limelight but tragically passed away in January 2024 due to a fentanyl overdose
- A third son from another relationship
Rick’s marital history includes multiple unions. He was first married to Kim, then to Tracy, and later to Deanna Burditt, whom he married in 2013 and divorced in 2020. In 2021, he tied the knot with Amanda Palmer, but the couple separated in 2023. As of 2024, Rick is reportedly dating Angie Polushkin, a nurse based in Las Vegas.
Where Rick Harrison’s Wealth Comes From
Though the pawn shop is his core business, Rick’s income sources are diverse:
1. Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
The pawn shop remains Rick’s primary asset. Located just off the Strip, it attracts tourists daily and is featured prominently on the show. With both walk-in customers and collectors seeking rare finds, the shop remains a steady income generator.
2. Television Revenue
The consistent success of Pawn Stars has delivered substantial returns. Rick earns not just from on-screen appearances but also from merchandising, DVDs, international licensing, and streaming rights.
3. Book Sales
Rick penned License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver in 2011. The memoir made it to #22 on The New York Times Best Seller list, offering fans an inside look at the man behind the deals.
4. Real Estate Investments
Rick has invested in property, most notably through Pawn Plaza, a retail complex adjacent to the pawn shop. Featuring eateries and boutique stores, it adds a new revenue stream while strengthening the pawn shop’s brand identity.
5. Endorsements and Speaking Gigs
Harrison has also benefited from brand endorsements and paid appearances at business expos and trade events, adding more to his financial portfolio.
Legal Controversies and Family Disputes
After the death of Rick’s father, Richard “The Old Man” Harrison, in 2018, a legal dispute arose between Rick and his mother, Joanne Harrison. She accused him of unauthorized transfers of business assets. While the matter brought unwanted public attention, it didn’t derail the success of the brand or Rick’s commitment to the family business.
What Lies Ahead for Rick Harrison?
At 60, Rick continues to work and evolve. He has hinted at political ambitions, though no official announcement has been made. Whether or not he runs for office, Rick remains active in business and entertainment, often engaging with fans online and at live events.
He’s also focused on preserving the shop’s legacy and mentoring the next generation. Despite personal tragedies and public scrutiny, Rick’s story is one of resilience and business savvy.
Final Thoughts
Rick Harrison’s rise from a high school dropout selling fake designer bags to a millionaire entrepreneur is the kind of story people don’t expect from reality television stars. His ability to adapt, expand, and stay relevant has made him a fixture in American pop culture.
With a net worth of $9 million in 2025, Rick continues to thrive. From pawn counters to prime-time TV and commercial real estate, his legacy proves that sometimes, one man’s trash truly can become another man’s treasure—especially if Rick Harrison is involved.
