Sydney woman's shock as she discovers eye-watering value of $30 op shop find

You never know what kind of bargains you might come across in a charity shop, but one woman certainly didn't expect her $30 find to actually be worth thousands.

In an episode of Antiques Roadshow filmed in Sydney – which you can stream for free on 9Now – the Australian guest presented expert John Sandon with a unique vase featuring painted Highland cattle.

"I found it actually in an opportunity shop," the owner said, confirming she'd spent just $30.

"For a vase like this, $30, right," John reacted, visibly surprised. "Did you know what you were buying?"

Stream episodes of Antiques Roadshow for free on 9Now.

Of course, she did not. As John explained, the vase was a work by famed ceramics artist Harry Stinton and a code on the bottom confirmed it was made in 1958.

"Harry was a grand old man by that stage. He was already into his 90s then and still painting, still doing the scenes," he said.

"His eyesight had gone a bit so his later work is a little bit impressionist, he couldn't see them so well. I think that's some of his nicest work."

READ MORE: Man shocked as expert reveals astronomical value of family heirlooms on Antiques Roadshow: 'That's ridiculous'

John said the vases were often sold in pairs, and the guest confirmed that she did have two – although the second was not in as mint condition as it had a small chip at the top.

However, this did little to lower their value.

"Two of them for $30?! It shouldn't be allowed, oh dear," John laughed. "These are seriously expensive now."

How much, exactly?

"A pair with one chip, they're going to be $7000 to $8000," he confirmed.

READ MORE: Woman shocked as expert reveals the value of a diary she found in her mother's attic on Antiques Roadshow

Unsurprisingly, the guest could hardly believe it.

"Ohhh far out," she reacted, putting her face in her hand in shock.

She'd only purchased the vases because she liked the look of their gold detailing – but it turns out she'd struck gold as well.

You can watch the full valuation in the video below.

Stream episodes of Antiques Roadshow for free on 9Now.

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