09/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2026 09:00
Looking for Special and Memorable Gifts? You'll Find Them at the Online Auction September 25-October 4
A 1926 British Sovereign gold coin bearing the image of King George V, three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes, and baseball cards of Chicago legends Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas are among the treasures available at the online I-CASH auction September 25-October 4.
"Our online auction offers a variety of distinctive, memorable items you can buy for yourself, a friend, or a loved one," said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. "If there's a collector in your life, or a certain someone who's hard to shop for, you can find great gifts like vintage jewelry, collectible coins, and classic baseball cards of outstanding players."
Other auction items include:
The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is the custodian of unclaimed property, including lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, unpaid rebate cards, and the contents of safe deposit boxes. Items are surrendered to the Treasurer's Office after private entities have tried to locate the owner for several years.
The Treasurer's Office conducts online auctions of unclaimed property periodically throughout the year because it does not have the physical space to store the items indefinitely. The
Treasurer's Office also holds an annual in-person auction of unclaimed property during the Illinois State Fair in August. The 2026 in-person auction generated total sales of $397,475. The item that sold for the highest amount - $26,000 - was a gold bracelet with 12 gold coins.
Items considered for auction typically have not been touched by their owners for 10 years. All auction proceeds will be held for the rightful owners, no matter how long it takes.
About the Treasurer
The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'iks) is the state's Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $60 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions with money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state's largest consumer-protection initiative, the missing money ICash program, which has returned a record-breaking $2.65 billion since Frerichs was elected.