I've always wondered that, too. If I had taken something in and the expert said it was worth $4,000 and Rick offers me $2,000, I'm out of there and heading to an on-line auction. I'd set the reserve at $3,000 and hope for more. If it didn't sell, then I might take it back to Rick and accept his offer. The good stuff that comes through that pawnshop is worth enough to invest a little time in selling.
I know that Rick and Company aren't running a charity and need to make a profit but hey, that works both ways. I don't get a deduction if I sell it to them at a bargain price nor am I helping some worthy cause - just lining their pockets.
But, if I've got a valuable antique that would be of interest to an auction, that is definitely where I go. The economics are different and I get more of the cash.
Side note aside, this baseball card discovery sounds spectacular. Honus Wagner in mint condition? Seriously?