What may have appeared to be just a gold coin dropped into one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles, was actually something much more valuable.

Every year, gold and silver coins have been dropped into Whiting’s collection kettles, said the Times of Northwest Indiana.

On Wednesday, a 1-ounce $50 gold American Buffalo coin was dropped, however it wasn’t worth just $50 but $2,000, said Capt. Brian Clark, Lake County coordinator for The Salvation Army.

He said the coin is a great step toward meeting their kettle goal, and being able to help the community, because when it comes to requests for food and emergency assistance, the pandemic has greatly increased the need.