Ep 3. Gold vs. Gold

Hardcore Pawn season 9 episode 3 titled "Gold vs. Gold" follows the staff of American Jewelry and Loan, a pawn shop located in Detroit. The episode starts with a couple looking to sell a gold bracelet that was a gift from their son. As the couple argues over the value of the bracelet, Ashley Gold, who serves as the shop’s general manager, tries to negotiate a fair price for both parties.

Later, a customer walks into the shop looking to sell a small gold statue that he says he found while cleaning out his late mother’s house. The statue catches Seth Gold's eye, and he takes a closer look to determine its value. While the customer is looking to get a large sum for the item, Seth is hesitant to offer more than a couple of hundred dollars, leading to a heated exchange. The negotiations hit a roadblock, and Ashley and Les Gold, the shop’s patriarch, have to step in to help settle things.

Next, a man comes into the store hoping to sell a collection of gold coins. Seth and Ashley are both impressed with the coins but are uncertain about the value. In an effort to get a fair price for the seller, they call in an expert to assess the collection and determine its worth. The expert appraiser examines each coin and gives a detailed assessment of their condition, rarity, and value. The appraiser's evaluation helps Ashley and Seth determine a fair market price, and they make a reasonable offer to the seller.

As the day goes on, the shop gets busier, and the staff deals with a variety of customers looking to sell or buy different items. Among the various items that come into the store during the episode are a vintage microphone, a guitar, and a rare silver dollar. Each transaction has its own unique complications, and Ashley, Seth, and Les must use their experience and expertise to ensure that both the buyer and the seller walk away happy.

Overall, the "Gold vs. Gold" episode of Hardcore Pawn provides an inside look into the complex world of pawn shops. It showcases the challenges that pawn shops face in trying to determine the value of various items and negotiate with customers who often have emotional connections to what they are selling. Through it all, the staff members of American Jewelry and Loan work hard to provide a fair and transparent experience for their customers while also trying to turn a profit.