A collector in Fresno, California struck gold when he paid just two dollars for an antique image; what at first glance appeared to be an insignificant item turned out to be a possible goldmine. The turn of events? This picture shows none other than Billy the Kid, the infamous bandit, casually playing croquet.
How much is this historic picture worth? An astounding $5 million is estimated.
Earlier this month, the picture was formally verified by reputable numismatics company Kagin’s Inc., which garnered media attention. Billy the Kid is seen in the 4-by-5-inch tintype with members of his infamous gang, The Regulators, in the summer of 1878—possibly during a wedding.
Senior numismatist David McCarthy of Kagin provided insight into the extensive examination that took place over a year before the company verified the authenticity of the picture. McCarthy underlined the importance of careful verification, saying that in a situation such as this, a passing likeness wouldn’t suffice. A team of experts had to be assembled to scrutinize every detail, ensuring that nothing was amiss.
“When we first saw the photograph, we were understandably skeptical — an original Billy the Kid photo is the Holy Grail of Western Americana,” McCarthy revealed. “After more than a year of methodical study, including my own inspection of the site, there is now overwhelming evidence of the image’s authenticity.”
This revelation places the newfound image alongside the only other known photo of Billy the Kid, taken in 1880 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. That 2-inch-by-3-inch tintype fetched an impressive $2.3 million in 2010, according to Kagin’s. Billy the Kid, also known as Henry McCarty or William H. Bonney, has solidified his place in American folklore as a renowned thief and gunfighter. His daring escape from prison after killing two guards only added to his legendary status. While legend attributes 21 killings to him, corresponding to each year of his life, historical records suggest a more accurate count of nine.
According to the New Mexico Tourism Department, Billy the Kid was solely responsible for four deaths, including the two guards, while he assisted in dispatching five others. His legendary run came to an end when Sheriff Pat Garrett tracked him down and delivered justice at Fort Sumner in 1881.
The unveiling of this recently authenticated photo adds a valuable and captivating chapter to the story of one of the Wild West’s most iconic figures, turning an ordinary antique shop discovery into an invaluable piece of American history.
