An Illinois man snags a $5 plate at Goodwill, only to realize it's an 18th-century treasure worth thousands. Photos courtesy John Carcerano on Facebook.

Hidden in Plain Sight—Illinois Man Stumbles Upon $5 Thrift Store Find Worth Wayyyy More!

An Illinois man snags a $5 plate at Goodwill, only to realize it’s an 18th-century treasure worth thousands. 🌐 #News #ChicagoIL #Illinois #Lifestyle

CHICAGO, IL – One local man’s $5 thrift store buy turned into a windfall worth thousands. John Carcerano, a seasoned antique hunter from Illinois, thought he was simply getting a great deal when he picked up a plate at Goodwill. Little did he know, the humble porcelain piece would lead him on a journey to uncover a fortune.

The Thrilling Discovery of a Lifetime

While casually browsing through the store, Carcerano’s sharp eye caught something special. Buried beneath a modern plate, he found an 18th-century Chinese armorial export plate. It had been hiding in plain sight among less valuable items, but Carcerano knew right away he was holding something rare.

Using Google Lens, he quickly confirmed his hunch. Similar plates had recently sold for around $4,400, sparking a rush to secure his discovery. In just five minutes, Carcerano realized he had found a gem worth much more than the $5 he paid for it.

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A Plate Worth More Than Gold

For Carcerano, a regular thrifter and antique enthusiast for 35 years, this wasn’t just luck—it was experience.

The porcelain plate turned out to be an armorial platter from China’s Qing dynasty, dating back to the Qianlong period in the 18th century. Experts confirmed its value, estimating it at between $4,000 and $6,000.

The piece caught the attention of top auction houses like Sotheby’s in New York, where specialists confirmed its authenticity. With no wear, scratches, or signs of use, the plate’s pristine condition set it apart from similar finds, adding even more value.

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The Hunt for Hidden Treasures Pays Off

For Carcerano, this wasn’t just about luck—it was about timing. He explained that his years of experience taught him to spot treasures as soon as they hit the shelves. Often, the best items are gone by the time they reach the aisles, so he waits patiently by the carts, ready to grab anything of value before others get to it.

In the world of thrift store treasure hunting, Carcerano’s $5 plate is proof that sometimes, the greatest finds are the ones you least expect.

RELATED TOPICS: History | Illinois | Lifestyle

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