ANNAPOLIS, MD (Feb. 06, 2006)-Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today announced that auction sales from 423 unclaimed property items, from abandoned safe deposit boxes, generated $86,500 this past Saturday, Feb. 4. The total appraised value of all items in the auction was $52,131, and the single most valuable item purchased was a $3,400 diamond ring.

"This auction was a great success in raising money for the state," said Comptroller Schaefer. "Butthat's business as usual for my Compliance Division."

Proceeds from the auction go directly to the state's general fund. Last year year's auction generated $24,232. Contents of a safe deposit box are turned over to the Comptroller's Office only after the box has been abandoned for three years and rent has not been paid. If at anytime after the auction, a rightful owner of auctioned property surfaces, any money raised is turned over to the rightful owner.

CONTACT:
Michael D. Golden, 410-260-7305
Christine Duray, 410-260-6346