Valuable Coin Dropped Into Salvation Army Kettle

Associated Press
Dec. 7, 2006 07:52 AM

BARRE, Vt. - With the drop of a single coin into a Salvation Army holiday collection kettle, the group may have been enriched by as much as $14,000.

The donated 1908 Indian head coin has a face value of $2.50, said Capt. Louis Patrick. It's worth at least at $250 and possibly as much as $14,000, according to a preliminary analysis.

"I was shocked," Patrick said. "I've heard of this happening in other places, but I've never actually seen it."

The coin was enclosed in a protective plastic case.

"It was an incredibly generous thing to do," Patrick said. "We are very appreciative."

The Salvation Army plans to have the coin appraised and sold, possibly before the end of the holiday season.

"One hundred percent of the money will be used to benefit our programs," Patrick said. The local Salvation Army distributes toys, food baskets and clothing.

Before the gold coin donation, the local group had raised about $34,000 this year, Patrick said. It typically raises $80,000 through its kettle collections, he said.