The Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow is making a stop in Niles Tuesday through Dec. 3 in search of rare and unique collectibles. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the roadshow at Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 1000 Moore Drive.
“Collectors have set aside $300,000 to be distributed to residents for their items during the free, five-day event,” according to a company statement.
“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,” said Mathew Enright, vice president of media relations.
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 for more than 15 years. 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,” Enright said. “Nearly all coins and paper currency, vintage jewelry, war memorabilia, musical instruments and toys made prior to 1965 are highly sought after by collectors.
“What we’ve really seen a ton of is gold and silver,” he said.
“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, such as jewelry stores, pawnshops, 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 our 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. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.