(Des Moines, Iowa) – A Michael Jordan rookie card will be added back to the safe deposit box contents auction running September 5th through the 20th. “After some excitement from the first auction earlier this year, we sent a Michael Jordan rookie card to be evaluated by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA),” said State Treasurer Roby Smith. “The card has been sent back to us with a rating of PSA 7, and we’ll be adding the rookie card as a lot in our upcoming auction. Make sure to check it out and get a peek of this rare item!”

Each year, the Treasurer’s Office receives two to three hundred safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned and is currently holding almost 3,000 boxes. When the Office runs out of room to store the boxes, it is forced to auction the boxes off. Some of the boxes currently being auctioned off have been held for 10 to 15 years. Before any auction, the Treasurer’s Office searches for the owner by sending out mailings; publishing names in newspapers and on social media; researching last known addresses; and providing opportunities for people to search in person at events. Proceeds from the auction stay in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt for the rightful owners to claim. If an owner comes forward before the auction, the items will be returned rather than sold.

Lone Star Auctioneers, specializing in selling unclaimed safe deposit box contents from state unclaimed property programs, will manage the auction. Lonestar will appraise each item in the box and will set the minimum bid. The auction website link is IowaUnclaimedProperty.org. Bidding is open to anyone registered and approved on Lone Star Auctioneers with a valid U.S. mailing address.

“I hope all past and present Iowans use this opportunity as a reminder to search GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov for their name, the names of friends, family and favorite businesses. Searching is fast, free and easy! Even if you’ve searched in the past, search again as properties are continually being added,” Smith concluded.

Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions, businesses and organizations that have lost contact with the owner for a specific period of time. Safe deposit boxes are just one type of unclaimed property the Treasurer’s Office safekeeps. Dormant checking and savings accounts, uncashed checks, lost stocks, life insurance policies and utility deposits are also common forms of unclaimed property.

For more information on unclaimed property, visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. Follow the Treasurer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and tips.