Wilt Chamberlain 1972-73 Warm-Up Jacket Heads to Sotheby's Auction After $3 Thrift Find

A 19-year-old Portland resident purchased a gold-and-purple warm-up jacket for $3.07 at a Goodwill Outlet store in Hillsboro, Oregon, in January. New York Post reported that the jacket was later authenticated by Sotheby's as one worn by Wilt Chamberlain during the 1972 NBA Finals and throughout the 1972-73 season.

Quinn Brown found the jacket after another shopper picked it up and set it down at the store.

He posted a photo on Instagram, which prompted Sotheby's to arrange shipment to New York for authentication through SIA Photo Match. Sotheby's valued the jacket at between $150,000 and $250,000. Bidding opened on Wednesday and continues through July 20.

Brown has operated a full-time reselling business for three years, completing more than 10,000 sales. He spends 15 to 20 hours each week searching Goodwill Outlet bins. Brown said he plans to save the proceeds and hopes the sale will allow him to retire early.

Hayley Platt, public relations manager for Goodwill Industries, stated that the story shows how hunting for treasures at Goodwill can be thrilling and magical.