Pull the old items you couldn't bear to throw away out of the attic, and dust off those vintage collectibles stored in the garage: the Treasure Hunters Roadshow is coming to Laurinburg.

Presented by the International Collectors Association, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow will visit the Hampton Inn in Laurinburg today through Saturday. The event is all about customer satisfaction, according to Vice President of Media Relations Matthew Enright.

"The Roadshow is designed to help residents who bring in their antique or collectible materials to find out what their items are worth, and to then offer them a fair price if they are interested in selling," Enright said. "We receive a percentage for every sale we make, so the more money we can get for your item, the more we will make as well. We don't try to lowball anyone because we only hurt ourselves."

After bringing their items to the Roadshow, visitors are given a number, and then called to a table where a representative will value their item. The Roadshow representative will then telephone several of the "tens of thousands" of collectors in the company's database who have indicated interest in the type of item being valued. After discussing the item with a series of collectors to obtain the highest price, the representative then makes an offer to the visitor to purchase based on what collectors are willing to pay. The visitor may then decide whether or not to sell the item; if a sale is made, they are presented a check on the spot.

Some of the most sought after items include coins and paper currency issued prior to 1965, toys, dolls, trains, vintage jewelry, musical instruments, military memorabilia, jewelry, weaponry and more.

"The most common item we are seeing in the South right now is coins," Enright said. "Old coins minted prior to 1965 contain 90 percent silver. As you know, gold and silver prices are currently going through the roof."

Theresa Alexander, co-owner of Bob's Jewel Shop in Laurinburg, urges potential sellers to educate themselves before accepting an offer for their valuables.

"Get two or three appraisals from businesses you trust before selling your gold and silver," Alexander said, "and keep in mind that you can't expect the price you were given one week to be good the next. I have never seen gold prices as high as they are now, reaching $1,065 per ounce last week and at $1,040.50 on Thursday. So if you are planning to sell your gold, check the market that day before you go."

Alexander suggests potential sellers visit the Internet sites of refiners such as Garfield Refining or Hoover and Strong for the latest prices.

Those interested in bringing items to the Roadshow are asked to do the following:

Refrain from cleaning the antique or collectible, as the item could be damaged.

Expect a wait of up to 45 minutes before representatives will inspect your item. Visitors are encouraged to bring a book or to watch other items brought in to the event.

Bring broken gold jewelry. All types of gold will be purchased and free testing will be available.

Bring as many items as you would like. If one wishes to return with more, an express card will be issued to bring the visitor to the front of the line with no waiting.

Times are today through Friday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event is free.

The Treasure Hunters Roadshow has no affiliation with the PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

For information call 217-726-7590.