The value of six gold coins dropped in the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettles is still unknown. At current gold price’s, the coins would bring almost $3,000.

“We hope it would put a substantial boost into our services to help people,” said Capt. John Leidy.

A sealed bid auction for the coins opens Monday, with the winner to be announced on Feb. 1.

“We’re setting the minimum at the gold index as of noon on Feb. 1, and then the love offering on top of that,” Leidy said.

Bidders may bid on the package, on a single coin or a combination. The deadline is Thursday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m.

The award will be announced the next afternoon.

Money raised will go into the Army’s general fund, Leidy said, to help support social services such as rent payments and utilities.

This is the tenth year rare or special coins have appeared in the local kettles.

Up for bid
- 3 South African Kruggerands - 1978, 1980, 1981
- 3 1999 Liberty $10 gold pieces, ¼ Troy ounce each

To see the coins
Call the Salvation Army office, (704) 482-0375, and ask for Lillian or Kiley to schedule a time.
The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Posted: 01|13|08 at 11:06 am. Filed under: US News.