DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A local Salvation Army branch got an expensive surprise while counting donations. 

The Decatur Salvation Army received a 1926 gold eagle coin in one of its red kettles, which is potentially worth thousands of dollars. 

One organization member said it was donated to a kettle in front of a local Sam's Club on Saturday. 

It comes as a welcome donation after severe weather put a dent in the branch's fundraising this holiday season. 

"We're running about $12,000 to $15,000 behind right now. And so when we go in, and we're counting our kettles regularly, and then you [get] something ... this is kind of like a bonus, over and above," said Decatur Salvation Army Executive Director Major Randall Summit. 

Summit added that the gold coin could be worth around $4,000. 

More Coverage:

Businesses in Taylorville open this week for last-minute Christmas shopping

Crazy Horse Campground turns off-season into festive fundraiser

Decatur farm lights up the holiday season with massive Christmas display

Family remembers 5-year-old Andreas "Dre" Woodland with Christmas toy drive

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.