Salvation Army finds solid gold coin in Christmas collection kettle in Spokane

Someone dropped a 1-ounce solid gold coin into one of the Salvation Army’s red collection kettles in Spokane, the charity said in a news release Friday.

The coin was discovered Thursday morning, wrapped in a $100 bill, according to the news release. It was also accompanied by an anonymous letter.

“The appreciation for your care in times past will never be forgotten as long as any of us old guys are still able to say thank you,” the letter read, according to the Salvation Army. It was signed: “Just a beat up old firefighter.”

A photo of the coin provided by the charity appears to show a 2009 American Gold Eagle produced by the U.S. Mint. Some online dealers have the coin valued at more than $1,200.

The Salvation Army said it also received a gold coin from an anonymous firefighter last year. A few valuable coins are reportedly donated to the charity’s branches across the country each year around Christmas.