Salvation Army red kettle strikes gold for second year

For the second year in a row, the Johnson County Salvation Army's Red Kettle program struck gold.

On Nov. 24 an employee at Hills Bank on S. Gilbert St. in Iowa City discovered a gold coin while counting the kettle from Walgreens on Hwy 965 in Coralville, according to Capt. Terry Smith of The Salvation Army Iowa City Corps.

It was later appraised and sold at Dean Oaks Coin and Currency where it was determined to be a 2005 1/10th oz. gold coin with a five dollar nominal face value and a current gold value of $120.

“We wanted to get it out there that we recognize the value of the coin,” Smith said, noting he thinks the individual who donated the coin knew its value.

Last year, an 1820 Gold quarter dollar coin was found in one of the Red Kettles around the same date, Smith said.

Smith said the Salvation Army is very grateful for the thoughtful gift, and said seeing the coin donated in our area is unique.

As of Nov. 30, $56,482 of the $225,000 goal has been reached.

Besides cash, checks are also dropped in the kettles, but larger amounts - some in the thousands - are sent via mail to the Salvation Army's office, Smith said.