Covington County citizens may have a fortune in their homes, but not even realize it. Next week, a traveling road show will give locals a chance to see if “one man’s trash is really another man’s treasure.”

The “Treasure Hunters Roadshow,” based in Springfield, Ill., is bringing its five-day event to Andalusia for the first time next week, starting Tuesday at Comfort Inn on the East Bypass.

“What we’ve really seen a ton of is gold and silver,” said Matthew Enright, Treasure Hunters Roadshow vice president of media relations. “As the dollar gets weaker, gold and silver go up in value. The gold market is through the roof.

“Earlier this month, we came to Dothan, and there were a lot of rare coins. One gentleman brought in a rare Morgan silver dollar, and it was worth $2,000.”

The show runs at Comfort Inn from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Enright explained that the “Treasure Hunters” make offers based on what collectors are willing to pay. When someone decides to sell, he or she gets paid on the spot, and the Treasure Hunters send the item to the collector.

Part of a nationwide tour, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow launched 15 years ago and has been all over world including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

“We’re looking for items such as Gibson and Fender guitars, war items, paper currency, advertising memorabilia, vintage toys, any coins from 1964 and before, and anything gold.” Enright said.

Enright added that an item doesn’t have to be old to be valuable — just unusual and in the best possible condition.

“We were in Dothan during the first week of December and I’d say there was close to 1,100 people that week,” he said. “We had a lot of phone calls from people in the area who were wondering when we’d be back again, and we’re happy to come to Andalusia.”

Enright said the event is free, there are no fees assessed for people who bring in items and there is no limit to the number of items that can be brought to the show. In addition, there will be free gold and silver testing offered.

“A lot of people think we’re only about collectibles, but we’ll test any jewelry and coins you might have, free of charge,” Enright said. “When people come in, they’re given a number, and there will be seating available while they wait — it’s usually 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the show. Then, they’re sat down in front of an expert, and that expert will help them go through the items.

“If there’s something that looks valuable and they want to try to sell it, then we’ll hook them up with a collector who is interested in purchasing the item.”

For more information, check out the show’s Web site at treasurehuntersroadshow.com or call 217-726-7590.