Salvation Army receives gold coin for 11th year

For the 11th year, a gold coin was anonymously dropped in a red kettle operated by the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau.

The one-fourth ounce $10 Lady Liberty coin, wrapped in a $1 bill, was sold to River City Coins and Jewelry for $225. The coin was found Saturday in a kettle at the West Park Mall entrance.

"Some of the bigger cities, like St. Louis or Chicago, they have a tradition of this for 25 years. For a community our size, it speaks volumes to the generosity of our community," said Salvation Army Maj. Ben Stillwell.

So far, the Salvation Army has raised $93,055, 34 percent of its goal of $270,000. Stillwell said rumors that the "gold coin mystery" is a public relations stunt are unfounded. "I don't believe that for a second for that here," he said.