The Golden Eye — a giant diamond seized in a local high-profile drug laundering case — will be sold during an online auction next month.The minimum bid is $900,000.The U.S. Marshals Service announced Monday that Bid-4Assets.com of Silver Springs, Md., will sell the 43.51-carat yellow diamond on behalf of the government. The agency opted to have the gem auctioned online to attract more bidders.“This precious gem is sure to generate interest worldwide,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot said.The Marshals Service declined to release its appraised value, although authorities had previously mentioned estimates ranging from $500,000 to $20 million. At trial, the gem was reputed to be worth as much as $15 million.“It’s only worth what somebody will pay for it,” Marshals spokesman Ryan Helfrich said.The jewel, about 1 inch long and three-quarters of an inch wide, was seized in late 2006 during an undercover federal sting that led to criminal convictions against former Stark County businessmen Michael “Mickey” Miller and Paul Monea. The diamond was being used in a private sale to launder drug money, authorities said.Bid4Assets.com called the gem “a one-of-a-kind beauty,” saying it’s a modified rectangular brilliant cut, with fancy intense yellow color and internally flawless grade.“This is the first time we’ve auctioned a diamond of this size and of this caliber,” said Jenny Lynch, a spokeswoman for Bid4Assets.com, which has auctioned seized items for the Marshals Service since 1999.The origin of the diamond is unclear. The website Goldeneyediamond.com — which no longer exists — had claimed the gem was discovered in 1871 in Africa and helped start the modern diamond industry there. However, a federal judge stated that the back story was made up to build interest and drive up the price.The Marshals Service couldn’t determine a mine source of the gem, but said there’s no relationship to the “Great Star of Africa,” one of the world’s largest diamonds.Numerous people had filed claims in federal court for the diamond, but those have been dismissed. The government will receive all the auction proceeds, minus a commission.The online auction will start at 8 a.m. Sept. 6 and continue until 3 p.m. Sept. 8. People must submit a refundable deposit of $180,000 to place a bid.While the minimum bid is $900,000, subsequent bids must be made in $110,000 increments.Interested bidders can see the auction requirements, details and pictures at http://www.Bid4Assets.com using the Auction ID No.: “504373.”People also can schedule an appointment to see the diamond in person by emailing inspections@Bid4Assets.com or calling Reynell Saxon at 877-794-1542, ext. 135. A refundable deposit of $180,000 is required to view the diamond.Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.