Buyer of rare coins, other items coming to Nevada

You never know what somebody might be keeping in their attic, basement or garage, but that's what the International Coin Collectors Association is coming to Nevada to find out.

Three to five ICCA representatives will be open for business from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, through Friday, Sept. 27 to 30, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at America's Best Value Inn at 2345 E. Marvel Rd.

They will evaluate and offer to buy merchandise including gold coins, jewelry, platinum, silver, pre-1965 coins, pre-1934 paper money, investment and scrap gold and historical documents, a representative said Friday.

They also seek pre-1970 musical instruments, advertising and sports memorabilia, toy trains, watches, Tiffany products, war items, fine art, comic books and pre-1965 toys.

ICCA spokesman Tyler Kelly of Springfield, Ill., said the process of discovery and prospect of unearthing buried treasure, so to speak, intrigues his organization and the thousands of people who turn out for hundreds of such events each year around the country.

"We have live cameras that look at and zoom in on things almost better than the naked eye can see them," said Kelly, referring to consultations with experts at the home office. "War memorabilia is huge right now and sports memorabilia is popular.

"It's always fun to see what's lying around in your neighbor's backyard or basement."

Kelly said a man in Tampa, Fla., last year carried in a late 19th century electric chair from the New York State Penitentiary "that his wife had told him to get out of the house.

"I know my wife would not allow me that," he said. "The paintings (serial killer) John Wayne Gacy did are extremely valuable. You wonder why somebody would want something like that, but one person's trash is another person's treasure."

An ICCA news release said representatives "will use our vast library to properly identify items, check our online database or contact potential buyers to determine how much to offer.

"You will be paid on the spot for those items you decide to sell. There is never any pressure and no obligation if you choose not to sell."