PINECROFT - Kathy Haduk's curiosity paid off.
"I had some coins and gold jewelry. I wanted to get an idea what or if they were worth anything, I walked away with a check," the Blandburg woman said.
Haduk was one of a "steady stream" of people who visited the Ohio Valley Gold and Silver Refinery Roadshow Tuesday at the Comfort Suites Altoona at the Pinecroft interchange of Interstate 99.
Article Photos
Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec
Alain Jimenez, an operator with Ohio Valley Gold & Silver Refinery Roadshow, evaluates coins for Bob Koch of Hollidaysburg on Tuesday afternoon at Comfort Suites Altoona in Pinecroft.
Show operators are searching for rare and unique collectibles and match collectors with people looking to buy and sell, said Rick Washburn, field manager.
"The No. 1 market is gold, silver and silver coins because those markets are at an all-time high. Especially coins 1964 and older," Washburn said. "War items are also popular, World War II and anything World War I or Civil War."
Basically, the customer brings in his items, a buyer looks at them and consults online with collectors to see what they are willing to pay and may make an offer.
"If you like the offer, we cut you a check on the spot," Washburn said.
Some of those visiting the show brought coins.
"I have some stuff that is really old and is not doing me any good," said John Schroeder of Altoona. "I have a couple hundred old coins. Some are from the 1800s."
Cathy Tellish of Greenwood said she downsized from a house to an apartment after the death of her husband.
"My husband kept everything and anything. He had coins that were so old and I didn't know what to do with them; they were just sitting there. I didn't know what they are worth or if they are worth anything," Tellish said. "He also had some old comic books that go back to the 1950s. He had book after book and I didn't know what to do with them."
Scott Hoover of Altoona brought a hodgepodge of items to the show, including a Civil War sheath, a 1916 Coca Cola calendar, a 25-meter Nazi tape measure with a swastika on it, some old wooden animal toys from the 1800s and an autographed picture of Lucille Ball.
Hoover also brought in an umbrella stand signed by S.W. Farber, the founder of Farberware. He said his grandmother was a nanny for the Farber family on Long Island.
Those selling their items said the decision to sell had nothing to do with the economy.
"This stuff means nothing to my sons and daughters-in-law. It would get thrown out when I die," Haduk said.
The show continues from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.
