Illinois State Treasurer Auctions 250 Unclaimed Items Including Rare Baseball Cards, Gold Bar

The Illinois State Fair will host the Illinois State Treasurer's annual unclaimed property auction on August 16 at 11 a.m. on the Lincoln Stage, featuring 250 lots including rare sports cards, gold bars, jewelry, vintage coins, and rare currency. Notable items include baseball cards of Ryne Sandberg, Mickey Mantle, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, and Ken Griffey Jr., as well as basketball cards of Wilt Chamberlain and Walt Frazier, and a 10-ounce .9999 fine gold bar valued around $34,000. These items represent unclaimed property that has remained untouched by owners for over a decade and will be sold to raise funds that are held for rightful owners if they come forward. Treasurer Michael Frerichs, who will serve as guest auctioneer for some lots, explained that proceeds from the auction remain available to owners indefinitely, even after items are sold at auction. The auction is part of ongoing efforts to manage lost bank accounts, insurance proceeds, and other unclaimed assets, with the Treasurer's Office also conducting online auctions periodically. A preview of the auction items will be held on the morning of the event and earlier at the Treasurer's Office in Springfield.