Illinois Opened Auction for Unclaimed Assets
The state has listed 100 lots of abandoned items, including gold coins and sports cards, for public bidding.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Collecting
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The Illinois State Treasurer's Office has launched an online auction featuring 100 lots of unclaimed property recovered from abandoned safe deposit boxes. Residents can place bids on a variety of unique items through the HiBid platform.
Why it matters
The initiative allows the state to liquidate abandoned assets that have remained unclaimed for years, providing a transparent way for the public to acquire historical and collectible items.
The auction includes a 1926 British Sovereign gold coin and sports cards featuring Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas. Bidders are also competing for three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes among the 100 total lots.
The players
Illinois State Treasurer's Office
This state agency is responsible for the safekeeping and management of unclaimed property until it can be returned to its rightful owner or auctioned.
HiBid
This online platform serves as the hosting service for government and estate auctions.
The details
The items were sourced from long-abandoned safe deposit boxes and other assets turned over to the state. All transactions are currently being processed through the HiBid website for interested collectors and members of the public.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: Auction bidding closes.
Culture Shift
This auction highlights the growing trend of digital access to government-held assets, moving away from traditional in-person liquidation events. It reflects a shift toward using online platforms like I-CASH to reconnect citizens with property or generate public interest in state-held items.
Residents can visit the HiBid portal to browse the inventory and participate in the bidding process before the October deadline. Those who believe they may have lost property in the state are also encouraged to search the I-CASH database to claim their assets before they are auctioned.
The takeaway
Collectors interested in unique historical items should monitor the HiBid site as the final bidding date approaches. Always ensure you have searched for your own name in the state database to confirm you do not have outstanding property claims.
Further reading
For more information on finding lost property, visit Collecting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Decatur Radio.
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