CHARLESTON – Large crowds gathered at West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue’s State Fair exhibit this week, eager to participate in the live unclaimed property auctions.
Coins, jewelry, antiques and much more are up for auction during the five events. More than 100 people packed the exhibit space on Friday, Saturday and Tuesday to bid on featured items. So far, approximately 80 percent of available auction items sold at or above the estimated value.
“The goal is to get top dollar for these items, which is what the rightful owners are entitled to when they make a claim,” said Treasurer Perdue. “We also want to educate the public about our unclaimed property program and how they can be reunited with their abandoned property.”
Additional auctions will be held at 5 p.m. tonight (August 20) and tomorrow (August 21) at the Treasurer’s exhibit in the West Virginia Building.
During the fair, people may also check at to see if they have unclaimed property listed with the state. Representatives will be on hand to help people start the claims process.
In addition to the live State Fair auctions, the State Treasurer’s Office offers online unclaimed property auctions available at www.WestVirginiaUnclaimedProperty.org. All proceeds from auction items remain in the rightful owner’s name in hopes that he or she may be found.