The treasure hunters are coming to town.

The Treasure Hunters Roadshow (THR) will be at the Holiday Inn of Austin Jan. 12-16, purchasing precious metals, jewelry, antiques and vintage currency. Items will be evaluated and purchased directly from the public at the event.

THR is on a worldwide tour, and says recent finds include a 1960s vintage guitar purchased for more than $100,000, Confederate money and a hand-written note from Abraham Lincoln.

THR experts will give estimates on items free of charge, and people have no obligation to sell.

“We pay out as much as we can. We like to pay out top dollar,” said Matthew Enright of THR.

Selling treasures? Beware of pirates.

The Better Business Bureau advises that sellers seek multiple estimates from trusted dealers before selling their goods to anyone or business.

THR is not accredited by the BBB and scored an A- on their ratings scale. In the past, THR displayed the BBB logo on their Web site and complied when asked to remove it.

THR has had other troubles in the past too.

The show bounced checks to sellers in at least six states in both February of 2009 and October of 2008, according to the Crossville Chronicle of Tennessee.

THR said the issue was caused by an accounting glitch and that all sellers were reimbursed for any expenses.

Still, the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan continues to monitor the business practices of the company that has operated under many names — The Treasure Hunters Roadshow, THR & Associates, International Toy Collectors Association and the Ohio Valley Gold and Silver Refinery.

“We encourage consumers to file complaints with our office if they have any issues,” said Natalie Bauer, deputy press secretary of the Illinois Attorney General.

She also warns sellers to be cautious and to proceed carefully when things seem too good to be true.

“We advise people to reach out to multiple sources to find out the value of their items,” Bauer said. “Reputable, local, trustworthy agencies can be help in appraising items.”

The Treasure Hunters Roadshow is at the Holiday Inn of Austin, 1701 Fourth St. NW, Jan. 12-15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on the Roadshow and on selling valuables can be found at www.treasurehuntersroadshow.com and www.bbb.org.