In an extraordinary discovery in Fresno, California, a collector purchased a vintage photograph at a garage sale for just $2, only to realize it could be worth millions. The photo, a 4-by-5-inch tintype, captures the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid casually playing croquet during the summer of 1878, possibly at a wedding, alongside members of his gang, The Regulators.
Experts at Kagin’s Inc., a leading numismatics firm, authenticated the image after a year-long, meticulous verification process, confirming its authenticity. David McCarthy, a senior numismatist, emphasized the rigorous study required, noting that an original Billy the Kid photo is considered the Holy Grail of Western Americana.
This newfound image now joins the only other known photograph of Billy the Kid, taken in 1880 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, which sold for $2.3 million in 2010. Known also as Henry McCarty or William H. Bonney, Billy the Kid remains a legendary figure in American folklore, famed for his daring prison escapes and gunfights.
Historical records suggest he was directly responsible for four deaths and assisted in five more, despite legends claiming 21. His criminal run ended when Sheriff Pat Garrett tracked him down in 1881. The discovery of this photograph not only highlights the incredible value of forgotten antiques but also adds a new, fascinating chapter to the story of one of the Wild West’s most infamous figures. A simple $2 garage sale find has become an invaluable piece of history, captivating collectors, historians, and fans alike.