(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia’s Office of Finance and Treasury (OFT) is now auctioning unclaimed property items online through eBay™. The first auction, held from Saturday, Sept. 25 through Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004, includes 25 items, such as two South African gold Krugerrands, a 14-karat yellow and white diamond cluster ring set, an 1857 one-dollar gold coin, a yellow gold cameo pendant brooch, and five 14-karat yellow gold herringbone chains.
“Our vault contains a vast list of precious items left unclaimed,” said District Treasurer N. Anthony Calhoun. “We are auctioning these items online to take advantage of a broader based audience, and to be able to receive the true value of each item.”
Prospective bidders can view a catalog of the first items up for bid by going to www.ebay.com and searching under the seller name “districtofcolumbia” (no spaces).
OFT will accept personal checks, money orders and cashier’s checks from winning bidders, but encourages buyers to use eBay’s faster and easier online payment system. The online payment system allows buyers to use Visa or MasterCard.
OFT attempts to contact the rightful owner, through letters and advertisements as well as by contacting former employers and relatives, before unclaimed property is sold. When the District auctions property, it means that the rightful owner has failed to claim such property; however, the owner is still entitled to the proceeds from the auction if they file a claim at any time in the future. This has no affect on those who purchase the items up for auction.
For more information on the unclaimed property online auction, call the Unclaimed Property Unit at (202) 442-8181.