Rare treasures among unclaimed property items to be auctioned off in Illinois this week

The online auction, running March 28 to April 3 through HiBid, features items like an 1881 U.S. $10 gold coin, an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet, and a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio's bat.

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is hosting an online auction through HiBid from March 28 to April 3, featuring a diverse range of unclaimed property items, including rare treasures.

Among the 100 items up for bids are an 1881 U.S. $10 gold coin, an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet, and a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio's bat.

"Our online auction is open to everyone - not just collectors. It's a convenient way for people to shop for their personal collection or find a one-of-a-kind gift, like a piece of a Joe Dimaggio baseball bat," said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

Those interested in bidding can do so by creating an account with HiBid. One way to do so is to go to hibid.com and click on "create account" to fill in your information. Another way is to head to the catalog and click "register to bid."

According to the State Treasurer's Office, items are typically considered for auction if they haven't been touched by their owners for 10 years. All auction proceeds will be held for the rightful owners, no matter how long it takes.

An estimated one-in-four adults in Illinois who search the state's unclaimed property website, also known as I-CASH, find missing money that should be returned to them. Visit the I-CASH website at www.illinoistreasurer.gov/ICASH to find out if you're eligible for unclaimed property.

Those with questions can contact 217-557-8567.