HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (December 12, 2012)--A gold coin worth $500 wrapped in a $100 bill has been found in a Salvation Army red kettle that was set up at an upstate New York shopping plaza.
Officials with the Elmira Salvation Army said the coin was donated anonymously Friday at the Village Plaza in the neighboring town of Horseheads. It was discovered when volunteers counted kettle donations Monday.
The American Eagle coin was wrapped in a $100 bill and a note, which read, "This coin is solid gold and worth around $500. God Bless."
Salvation Army officials say about 400 gold coins have been found in red kettles over the past 30 years.
Gold coins have found recently in kettles in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, North Carolina and Florida.
