Bring your collectibles to roadshow in Elgin

Submitted by Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow

If you have gold, silver, antiques or other rare collectibles lying around your house, bring it to the Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow, which continues from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road in Elgin.

According to Vice President of Media Relations Matthew Enright, “The Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow makes offers based on what collectors are willing to pay. After one decides to sell an item, he or she is paid on the spot. Then, the Roadshow sends out the item to the collector.”

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the free event.

A few recent finds for collectors have included a rare gold coin collection purchased for $107,000, a Civil War pistol used during battle for $40,000, and a letter written by George Washington to the doctor of his wife expressing his disdain toward the doctor's actions regarding the treatment of his wife.

Also, at a recent show in Ohio, a local resident brought in a letter from Abraham Lincoln that she thought was a fake. She brought it into the show and walked out $25,000 richer after finding out it was an authentic letter.

“Collectors are very serious about their hobby and will pay a lot of money for the items they are looking for. Nearly all coins and paper currency, vintage jewelry, war memorabilia, musical instruments and toys made prior to 1965 are highly sought after by collectors,” Enright said.

“What we've really seen a ton of is gold and silver. With both hitting all time highs and the current economy, people everywhere are cashing in broken chains, necklaces and rings and taking advantage of the market.”

The Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow is able to offer good prices, as it has its own refinery. Refineries typically do not do business with the public; rather, they deal with precious metal accumulators like jewelry stores, pawn shops, dentist offices or industrial facilities that trade with some form of precious metal.

All local area businesses that deal with precious metals are encouraged to call ahead and make an appointment with one of the representatives. There are no appointments needed for the general public to sell their items.

The event is free and there is no limit to the number of items that can be brought in. For details, call (217) 726-7590.