The Pennsylvania Treasury, led by Treasurer Stacy Garrity, has announced a record-breaking outcome from its fall unclaimed property auction, which amassed over $605,000. This figure surpasses the previous record of $298,000 set in October 2023.
During the auction, which took place online from October 30 to November 1, 2024, a total of 5,736 items were sold. Noteworthy sales included an 18K yellow gold chain and pendant, which fetched $8,000, and a 14K gold and platinum ring adorned with Old European Cut diamonds, also selling for $8,000.
The auction was conducted in collaboration with Pook & Pook, Inc., a Downingtown-based auctioneer and appraisal service. The proceeds from the auction are held by the Treasury, allowing rightful owners to claim their property indefinitely.
Treasurer Garrity emphasized the ongoing efforts to reunite items with their owners, stating, “Our top goal is always to find the rightful owners of every item that comes into Treasury’s unclaimed property vault.” She encouraged Pennsylvanians to check the state’s unclaimed property website annually.
Following deductions for auctioneer commissions, the Treasury expects to net $520,450.50. Items not sold or unpaid for by winning bidders will be re-listed in future auctions. The Treasury makes continual efforts to locate rightful owners, holding items for at least three years before proceeding to auction. Military decorations are permanently exempt from auction and are retained for return to veterans or their families.
Currently, Pennsylvania holds over $4.5 billion in unclaimed property, with more than one in ten residents eligible to claim an average of $1,600.
For further information or to search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
