Media Advisory – Safe deposit box auction viewing and media availability

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Nov. 3, 2020 – Representatives from the Department of Revenue and James G. Murphy Inc. will be available for interviews during an in-person viewing of items up for bid in the upcoming unclaimed property safe deposit box online auction.

In-person viewings of the items are Nov. 9-11. The online-only auction kicks off Nov. 5 and continues through Nov. 12.

Items are available to film and photograph during media availability:

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10
Where: James G. Murphy Co., 18226 68^th Ave. NE, Kenmore, WA

This is an online-only auction. The three-day in-person viewings allow bidders a close-up look at the more than 800 lots up for auction. Masks and social distancing are required at this event.

Many items up for bid include rare gold coins, gold and silver jewelry, silver bars, sports cards, and other collectibles. Land, vehicles, or other tangible property are not included in this auction. View a list of the items up for bid on the James G. Murphy Inc. website.

Background

The last safe deposit box auction in 2018 brought in more than $1 million from 1,583 lots. Owners can come forward at any time to claim the money held by the department.

Safe deposit box contents are reported and turned over to the state of Washington five years after an owner stops paying rent on the box. If the rightful owner does not come forward to claim the contents, the state must sell them at public auction within five years.

Visit claimyourcash.org to check for unclaimed property.

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