News Releases About ICash Unclaimed Property

Discover how ICash reunites Illinois residents with lost or forgotten money and property—and find out whether something may be waiting for you.

Eight baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s, all featuring Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs

Ernie Banks & Mickey Mantle Baseball Cards, Gold Coins, and More on Tap at Treasurer Frerichs’ Unclaimed Property Auction Preview

Video will be posted here: Baseball cards of Cubs legend Ernie Banks and Yankees great Mickey Mantle, a 14-karat white gold ring with a 10-carat blue sapphire and 14 diamonds, and Morgan silver dollars from various years are just some of the pieces of unclaimed property that the public can preview today (Monday, August 3). “The preview we’re hosting today is a great opportunity for people to check out the items that we will be auctioning later this month during the Illinois State Fair,” said State Treasurer Michael Frerichs,…

Read MoreErnie Banks & Mickey Mantle Baseball Cards, Gold Coins, and More on Tap at Treasurer Frerichs’ Unclaimed Property Auction Preview
Treasurer Frerichs marches down a street at the Illinois State Fairgrounds during the twilight parade as crowds line the street.

A Few of My Favorite Fair Memories

As a kid, I always looked forward to the Champaign County Fair in late July. I loved the rides: the bumper cars, the tilt-a-whirl, and the potato sack slide. I loved the food: the corn dogs, the elephant ears, and all things fried. I loved the grandstand shows: the tractor pulls where my family would sometimes compete, the motorcycle races, and the demolition derby. And I also loved the games where you could win a prize: the ring toss, shooting baskets, and knocking down milk bottles with a baseball. I…

Read MoreA Few of My Favorite Fair Memories
Treasurer Frerichs stands with a man and a woman, all holding a giant check for $20,040

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns Record $308 Million to People, Businesses, Nonprofits in Fiscal Year 2026

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a record $307.8 million in missing money to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations through the ICash program during Fiscal Year 2026. “Our changes to ICash allowed us to return more money to more people,” Frerichs said. “We are proud to set records, but we’re even more proud of helping folks. Reuniting people with money that rightfully belongs to them is even more important as inflation and decisions made by the Trump administration squeeze the average person and make food and gas harder…

Read MoreIllinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns Record $308 Million to People, Businesses, Nonprofits in Fiscal Year 2026
Twin toddler boys sitting on a chair, each holding a book

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

After I wrote about the boys’ birthday, a few people asked me what their favorite toy was. It’s different every day, but without question their current favorite toy is the one their brother is playing with. And we often experience a meltdown when their brother does not relinquish it to them. The toy could have been sitting at the bottom of the toy chest for months, out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as their brother has rediscovered it and starts to play with it, that toy…

Read MoreComparison Is the Thief of Joy
Eight baseball cards, including Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken Jr.

Ryne Sandberg, Ken Griffey Jr. and Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards, Gold Ingot, and More Available at Treasurer Frerichs’ Online Auction

Auction catalog available here . Collectible baseball cards of Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg, Nolan Ryan and Ken Griffey Jr., a gold ingot, and an 1868 French coin bearing the image of Napoleon III are just a few of the notable items available at the online ICash auction April 24-May 3. “Our online auction offers something unique and memorable for everyone,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “You’ll discover treasures, such as classic baseball cards and distinctive currency, along with vintage jewelry and…

Read MoreRyne Sandberg, Ken Griffey Jr. and Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards, Gold Ingot, and More Available at Treasurer Frerichs’ Online Auction