Ep 9. Reverse the Curse

In American Pickers season 9 episode 9, titled "Reverse the Curse," hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz return to their home state of Iowa to search for hidden treasures in barns, garages, and old junk piles. Their first stop takes them to a brick garage filled with vintage gas station signs, oil cans, and other automotive memorabilia. The owner, a retired mechanic named Roger, has been collecting for over 40 years and has amassed an impressive collection of rare items. But with his health declining, he needs to downsize and hopes the Pickers will take some of his items off his hands.

Next, the duo heads to a farm where they meet a man named Ron who collects all sorts of antiques, from old arcade machines and cash registers to vintage toys and advertising signs. Frank and Mike are particularly excited about a rare metal piggy bank from the 1950s, a find they've been looking for for years. But when Ron reveals that the bank is cursed and that previous owners have suffered bad luck as a result, the Pickers are hesitant to make a deal.

After a quick lunch break at a local diner, the Pickers visit a sprawling estate filled with hundreds of antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The owner, who inherited the property from his father, has been collecting for decades and has a particular fondness for Studebakers. Mike and Frank are amazed by the quantity and quality of the vehicles, but are also overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff on the property.

Their last stop of the day takes them to a historic downtown area where they meet a collector named Tim who specializes in old coin-operated machines. He has an impressive array of vintage jukeboxes, slot machines, and soda fountains, but Mike and Frank are drawn to a rare 1940s fortune teller machine that dispenses advice in the form of cards. Despite needing some repairs, the machine is a unique piece that the Pickers can't resist.

Throughout the episode, the Pickers face some tough decisions as they negotiate with sellers and try to balance their excitement for rare finds with their desire to find items that will sell well for their business. They also reflect on the importance of preserving history and the thrill of the hunt that keeps them coming back for more. "Reverse the Curse" is a classic episode of American Pickers that showcases the team's expertise and passion for vintage artifacts.