Sometimes the most ordinary objects hide extraordinary stories and in this case, a $2 thrift store purchase turned out to be a piece of Old West history worth millions.

In 2010, a man named Randy Guijarro wandered into a California thrift store hoping to add a few vintage items to his personal collection. He never expected that a single black-and-white tintype photo he bought for just $2 would turn into a national sensation and be appraised at a jaw-dropping $5 million.

An Innocent Find With a Wild Twist

The tintype an early type of photograph created on metal looked like a typical 19th-century group shot. But Guijarro noticed something unusual. One young man in particular stood out. The pose. The hat. The presence. Could it be… Billy the Kid?

For months, Guijarro dug into the photo’s origin, comparing faces, studying outfits, and analyzing the setting. Eventually, he reached out to experts. What followed was an intense verification process involving facial recognition, historical research, and even forensic evidence.

Video:

$2 photo of Billy the Kid Found in Junk Store Could Be Worth $5 Million

Yes, That Really Is Billy the Kid

After extensive investigation, the image was authenticated in 2015. The young man in question, playing croquet with his gang the Regulators was indeed Billy the Kid, the infamous outlaw of the American West. The photo is now believed to be only the second confirmed photograph of him ever found.

Even more fascinating? The image captured an unexpected moment: a group of rough and tumble outlaws enjoying a leisurely game of croquet. It’s a rare, humanizing glimpse of a man typically portrayed in shadowy saloons or bloody shootouts.

Why It’s Worth So Much

The story of Billy the Kid has become legend. Born Henry McCarty, he gained notoriety for his role in the Lincoln County War and his brief but explosive life of crime. He was famously gunned down by Sheriff Pat Garrett at just 21 years old. The scarcity of authenticated images of him makes any verified photo an extreme rarity.

Combine that with the wild backstory an old photo lost in obscurity, discovered by chance in a thrift shop and it becomes the kind of treasure collectors and historians dream about.

Video:

A New Photo of Billy the Kid

The Cultural Power of Forgotten Photos

This isn’t just a story about a lucky find. It’s about how history lives on in forgotten places attics, basements, and yes, even bargain bins. One overlooked item can change everything we thought we knew about the past.

Guijarro’s find has since inspired documentaries and TV specials, fueling interest in Old West lore and the fascinating lives of outlaws like Billy the Kid. It also serv

es as a reminder that the world is still full of undiscovered stories just waiting to be uncovered.

Final Thoughts: History Has a Funny Way of Showing Up

Imagine spending a couple of bucks at a secondhand store and walking away with a piece of American history. That’s the magic of this incredible discovery. It’s proof that treasure doesn’t always glitter sometimes it’s hidden in plain sight, waiting for the right pair of eyes to see its worth.

So the next time you flip through an old photo box at a yard sale or thrift shop, take a closer look. You never know you might just be holding $5 million in your hands.