Modern day treasure hunters coming to PI
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — In the spirit of famous pirates like Blackbeard, Calico Jack and Henry Morgan, a team from the Treasure Hunters Roadshow is hoping to find some great loot in the Star City next week, and in the process make some local residents a little richer.
From June 14-18 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, the Treasure Hunters are expecting to see over 1,200 residents bringing in their rare and unusual collectibles. Locals will have a chance to talk to antiques and collectibles specialists for free.
“What we’ve really seen a ton of is gold and silver,” said Matthew Enright, the Roadshow’s vice president of media relations. “As the dollar gets weaker, gold and silver go up in value. The gold market is through the roof. People are bringing in broken chains, necklaces and rings as they take advantage of the market. Recently one man in South Dakota brought in a handful of old silver dollars and 50-cent pieces. He walked out with more than $2,300 … the guy was blown away.”
An item doesn’t have to be old in order to be valuable — just unusual and in the best possible condition.
“It has to do with the rarity of the item,” Enright said. “It could even be coins from 2000. A businessman invested in new gold coins in early 2000. He paid $1,200 a piece for four high-grade coins, and he ended up walking out of our show with a check for almost $40,000.
“The Treasure Hunters make offers based on what collectors are willing to pay. When someone decides to sell, he or she gets paid on the spot,” he said. “Launched 15 years ago, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow has been all over the world including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and, most recently, Spain. We’re looking for items such as Gibson and Fender guitars, war items, paper currency, advertising memorabilia, vintage toys, any coins before 1965 and anything gold.”
Collectors are very serious about their hobby — so serious that they will pay a lot of money for the items they are looking for.
“Nearly all coins, vintage jewelry, musical instruments and toys made prior to 1965 are highly sought after by collectors,” said Enright. “The Treasure Hunters Roadshow is a place where anyone in your community can sell their items at fair and honest prices. Our representatives make offers based on what collectors are willing to pay. Then, when someone decides to sell, they get paid on the spot.
“Recent finds include a 1960s vintage guitar, purchased for over $100,000. Four gold coins were purchased for over $72,000,” he said. “Also, an Abraham Lincoln hand-written thank-you letter was purchased from a man who discovered it inside a wall while he was remodeling. The letter expressed Lincoln’s gratitude for a night’s stay while traveling to Chicago.”
The Treasure Hunters Roadshow continually travels year-round, and has grown large enough to now host over 1000 events annually.
Based in Springfield, Illinois, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow will be in Presque Isle from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center is located at 116 Main St.
For more information, visit the Roadshow’s website at treasurehuntersroadshow.com or call (217) 523-4225.
