HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s Fall 2025 Unclaimed Property Auction generated more than $523,000 after two days of competitive bidding that sent rare metals and high-end jewelry soaring past expectations, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced this week.
More than 6,000 items were sold during the Oct. 29 and 30 auction, conducted in partnership with Downingtown-based Pook & Pook, Inc., which provides auctioneer and appraisal services for the Treasury Department.
“The fall auction once again delivered strong results and we saw competitive bidding and impressive prices, particularly on coins and jewelry,” Garrity said. “Our top priority is always to return unclaimed property to its rightful owner, but when that cannot be done, those items are auctioned off and we ensure that the proceeds remain available to claim no matter how much time passes.”
Treasury officials reported gross sales totaling $523,840 and expect to net more than $450,000 after costs. Proceeds are recorded and held in perpetuity, allowing rightful owners or heirs to claim funds at any time — even years after the sale.
Among the highest-profile sales was rhodium sponge, which fetched $23,400. Other standout items included 5.739 troy ounces of iridium sponge and 16.76 troy ounces of platinum sponge, each selling for $17,000.
Jewelry also commanded premium prices. A platinum ring featuring a 4.40-carat emerald-cut diamond with tapered baguettes sold for $16,000. An 18K yellow gold bracelet set with 40 round diamonds and 40 sapphires brought $5,500, while a 14K yellow gold cross pendant with 1.25 carats of mixed-cut diamonds paired with a 10K chain sold for $4,000.
“Pook & Pook is honored to have been the auction house of choice for the Pennsylvania Treasury Department for the past decade,” said Deirdre Pook Magarelli, president of Pook & Pook. “Selling at auction lets the market speak for itself, revealing the most accurate value through real demand, real competition and real buyers. The success of the auction this past October was no exception with prices coming in above the high estimate.”
Any items not sold or not paid for by winning bidders are returned to Treasury custody and may be offered again in future auctions.
Under state law, businesses must transfer unclaimed property to Treasury after it has remained dormant for three years. Tangible items — often the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes — are then held securely in Treasury vaults for at least three additional years while officials attempt to locate rightful owners. Military decorations and memorabilia are not auctioned.
Currently, more than $5 billion in unclaimed property is available statewide, and more than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed money or property, according to Treasury officials. The average claim exceeds $1,000.
Residents can search for unclaimed property at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
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