Anyone in search of an Aztec calendar, "Battlestar Galactica" action figures, an Oct. 9, 1893, ticket to the Columbian Exposition world's fair in Chicago or one of many more items - including coins, stamps, jewelry, comic books and signed sports memorabilia - will have a chance next week to claim what's been unclaimed.
Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick's office announced Thursday that the 2019 Unclaimed Property Auction will be Tuesday and Wednesday at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield.
The auction sells off items from safe deposit boxes turned over by financial institutions to the state treasurer's office after five years of inactivity or no contact from the owner, according to a news release from Fitzpatrick's office.
"State law requires financial institutions to turn over the contents of those boxes to me after no documented transaction with the owner for a statutorily defined period of time - generally five years. My office does not handle real property such as land or certain types of personal property like cars and boats," Fitzpatrick wrote in a letter included with the full listing of items to be auctioned off this year.
More than 2,000 items will be up for auction this year:
A Ronald Reagan pen, an "I Like Ike" button, "war ration book with stamps," John F. Kennedy funeral prayer cards and an Apollo 11 patch are among the items that await collectors of political and historical artifacts.
Philatelists - stamp collectors - will have choices including an 8-cent Harry S. Truman stamp, 22-cent 1988 Olympics, 25-cent Stegosaurus, 29-cent Elvis, 32-cent Marilyn Monroe, 33-cent Malcolm X and 37-cent U.S. flag.
Numismatics - coin collectors - will be able to bid on items from the Roman Empire, East Germany, Yugoslavia and an Order of Lenin commemorative coin. A Japan Air Lines coin purse will also be available to purchase for those looking for a storage option for their collection.
Various sports cards available include Wayne Gretzky, Mickey Mantle, Joe Montana, Shaquille O'Neal and Walter Payton.
The treasurer's office receives about 1,000 safe deposit boxes each year.
"When an item is sold at auction, proceeds from the sale are recorded in the original owner's name. It is important to note that none of the items here or any other property held by my office will ever become property of the state. The original owners or proper heirs may claim the proceeds at any time by going to ShowMeMoney.com," Fitzpatrick wrote.
"All proceeds from the auction will be held in perpetuity until claimed by the rightful owners or their heirs," according to the news release.
"Since taking office in January, Treasurer Fitzpatrick has returned nearly $30 million of unclaimed property, representing over 140,000 accounts," according to the news release.
An auction preview will be 6-8 p.m. Monday. The auction will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with daily previews beginning at 8 a.m.
On the web:
A full list of items available for auction can be found at
treasurer.mo.gov/auction.