CHICAGO — A signed 1983 Ryne Sandberg baseball card, Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair souvenir medallions, a Hohner 6 sided “paddle wheel” harmonica, and Spanish shipwreck coins from the 1622 shipwreck of the Atocha are among thousands of unclaimed property items worth $113,500 to be auctioned live on August 19 on the Lincoln Stage at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
“We are excited to bring the unclaimed property auction back to the Illinois State Fair to give the public another opportunity to bid on rare, valuable items,” Frerichs said. “To get a sneak peak of the auction items, we encourage collectors to join us for our preview events in Chicago and Springfield.” Additional live auction items include a 1934A five hundred dollar Federal Reserve note, a series 1901 United States $10 large size bison note, a 1969 Brian Piccolo football card, and a Kalo sterling silver necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
The treasurer’s office works hard to return valuables to their rightful owners. After 10 years of private and public attempts to locate the owners of unclaimed property, the unclaimed items are put up for auction.
Collectors will have two opportunities to preview the live auction items. All auction items will be on display at the Springfield event. Select auction times will be on display in Chicago.
Live Auction Previews July 27, 2017 James R. Thompson Center (Atrium) 100 W. Randolph Street August 8, 2017 Illinois State Capitol (1 st floor) 401 S. 2 nd Street Chicago, IL Springfield, IL 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Live Auction August 19, 2017 Illinois State Fairgrounds (Lincoln Stage) 801 E. Sangamon Avenue Springfield, IL Noon Preview: 9 a.m. – Noon
Winning bidders must submit payment on the day of the auction using a major credit card or cash. No checks will be accepted.
For more information about the live auction, call 217.557.8567. Starting next week, collectors will have the opportunity to view items online by clicking the auction link under the Resource Center The treasurer’s office is the custodian of unclaimed property including lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, unpaid rebate cards, and safe deposit boxes. Items are surrendered to the treasurer’s office after private entities have tried for at least five years to locate the owner. All auction proceeds will be held for the rightful owners in perpetuity.
Because thousands of items are surrendered each year, residents should check the I-Cash website every search or return unclaimed property.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s chief investment officer, he actively manages approximately $25 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state governments.
The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The treasurer’s office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.
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