State Treasurer's Office Ready for Online Auction

Commemorative coins, stamps, and jewelry are among the more than 12,000 items worth $45,000 to be auctioned online August 17-21, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today.

“We encourage bidders to start previewing items now to get a good glimpse of the many great, unique items available to collectors,” said Treasurer Frerichs. “Our unclaimed property team works hard to return valuables to their rightful owners. If the property goes unclaimed for 10 years, the items are auctioned to make room for incoming unclaimed items,” Frerichs added.

Auction items include a 1934 U.S. one thousand dollar bill, Colorado Rockies All-Star Game Collectors set, gold and silver jewelry, and 1882 U.S. Liberty ten dollar gold coin.

Auction items have been appraised by an outside vendor. Auction participants can register at illinoistreasurer.govand click on the Unclaimed Property Auction link. For questions, call 217-557-8567.

Interested bidders can also stop by the Treasurer’s Office tent at the Illinois State Fair to learn more about the online auction or the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Vault.

The Illinois Treasurer’s office is the custodian of unclaimed property including lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, and forgotten safe deposit boxes. Items are auctioned after private and public entities tried for at least 10 years to locate the owners. The office secures more than $2 billion in unclaimed property. Individuals can search by name at illinoistreasurer.gov. Because thousands of items are surrendered each year, residents should check every six months.

Treasurer Frerichs’ office never charges money to search or return unclaimed property. Auction proceeds will be held for rightful owners until they are identified.