Queen Creek, Arizona – It's every bargain hunter's dream to stumble upon a treasure in a thrift store being sold for mere pennies. A woman from Arizona had that magical moment when she discovered a painting in a second‑hand shop. The artwork was worth a lot more than she thought at first glance!

Sara, better known by her Insta handle, @thriftswithsara, regularly takes her followers on treasure hunts in thrift stores. She recently bought a piece of art that she thought was just pretty.

Surprisingly, a closer investigation proved there was a lot more going on.

The thrifter said the size of the piece and professional framing were what first caught her eye. The painting, which depicts a garden full of flowers on the edge of a forest, was on sale for $30.

"When I got closer and saw that it was signed with pencil, not just a print, and numbered, that's where the real value is," Sara told Newsweek.

After purchasing it, she discovered that it was artist John Powell's work, Enchanted Forest. The native Californian had begun painting at the age of 16 and was especially known for his precise, detail‑rich compositions. He passed away last year at the age of 94.

The bargain hunter estimates that her Powell piece is worth around $1,000.

However, she has no intention of selling it. "I was really excited when I saw it first because I just liked it and wanted it for my home," Sara said.

The painting has found its home on Sara's mantel. "I'm not a reseller, so the value is cool to know but I never planned on selling it," the avid thrifter explained.