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Jesse Price of the Treasure Hunters Roadshow displays a box of coins sold by Scotland County residents since his company came to Laurinburg on Tuesday.
Business has been brisk since the group arrived on Tuesday, according to company spokesperson Jesse Price.
"People have been selling a lot of coins and gold since we arrived," Price said, "especially since gold jumped almost $100 an ounce yesterday. We are buying old class rings, broken jewelry, coins dated before 1965, and lots of other things that are old and of value. We're always happy to consider antique weaponry, old guitars, and military memorabilia such as war medals; collectors are very interested in purchasing Japanese and Russian medals, for example, because they are so rare."
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.
Price gave two examples of successful transactions this week between patrons and collectors: one was a "big guitar sale" at just under $8000; the other involved a retired jeweler who brought in a small box of unclaimed class rings from the 1970s.
"He walked out with a check for about $6000," Price said.
According to Price the percentage of persons who walk in with items to sell and depart with a check for their goods is at approximately 60 percent.
Among those who enjoyed a successful visit to the Roadshow on Wednesday was Lois Gibson, a resident of Gibson, who left a little richer after selling her gold jewelry and coins.
"It went very well," she said. "The appraiser was very nice, and this has been a great experience. I've never done anything like this before."
Scotland County Commissioner Joyce McDow and her husband Robert also brought in a variety of items for possible sale.
"I just wanted to bring some pieces in to see what they might be worth," McDow said. Her items included coins, silverware, old cameras, 45 rpm records, and a vintage tricycle. After a short wait and a ten minute interview with a Roadshow representative, the McDows left without having made a sale.
"He said he would take some of the coins, but I think I'll just hold on to them a while longer," McDow said. "It was still a good experience, and I learned a lot about the value of the items I brought in."
Robert McDow was more philosophical about the encounter. "Nothing from nothing leaves nothing," he said, laughing as he took the items back to their car.
The Treasure Hunters Roadshow will be at the Hampton Inn from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. today and Friday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission fee.
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.
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