I Saved a $40 Item and Left It in My Attic for Years – Discovered Its True Value After Recognizing a Unique Clue

TREASURE worth hundreds of thousands of dollars could be hidden in your own home as a man has rediscovered a painting potentially worth millions in his attic.

Michael P. Wilson had purchased the painting years earlier at a California thrift store, unaware of its true value.

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The neutral-toned painting showed a boy holding what appeared to be a bird cage.

The painting measures approximately 30 x 40 inches and appears to be in its original frame.

At the time of purchase, Wilson was attracted by its unique characteristics, according to a press release.

However, he did not know who the painter was.

He finally bought the painting for just $40, according to the YouTuber Surprise yourself.

Years later, Wilson began to familiarize himself with the work of iconic modern artist Andy Warhol.

Wilson explained in the press release that after seeing certain Warhol artwork, such as Gold Marilyn and newly released drawings from the 1950s, he began investigating the real artist behind his painting.

He soon discovered that the signature and style of his piece seemed to match Warhol’s older works.

Wilson eventually took the painting to fine art authenticator and appraiser GB Tate to be authenticated.

GB Tate & Sons Fine Art, of Laramie, Wyoming, authenticated the painting as a Warhol in 2015.

“The artwork in question is typical of the artist and compares favorably in quality and subject matter to many other examples of the genre offered on the market,” the assessment document said, according to the press release.

“All other factors, including technique, style and signature, are consistent with the artist’s original works.”

The appraisal reportedly estimated the painting’s value at between $500,000 and $2.5 million, according to YouTuber Be Amazed.

Although Wilson could have kept the high-value painting in his own home, he decided to put it up for auction in 2016.

The auction began on November 7, 2016 and was hosted on eBay.

All proceeds from the auction went to charity, with part of the funds going to City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute in Duarte, California.

The sale was managed by Auction Cause.

“We hope this painting becomes an award-winning exhibit in a museum, an art collector’s home, or an institution dedicated to the study of Warhol,” Eric Gazin, president of Auction Cause, said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear how much the Warhol painting sold for in the online auction or who made the purchase.

If you believe you have found a similar high-value item at a bargain, be sure to keep all available records relating to the purchase.

Consider having the item appraised by a professional to determine its true value.