Wichita ? A Christmastime tradition that began in a Chicago suburb two decades ago has found its way to Wichita for the first time.

Three identical American Eagle gold coins, worth about $325 each, turned up in Salvation Army collection kettles Wednesday night. The tradition of donating gold coins to the Salvation Army collectors began in 1982, but this was the first time any had been left in Wichita kettles.

Tentative plans are to mount and frame the three coins, then auction them off next year to kick off the Salvation Army kettle drive, a Wichita Salvation Army spokesman said.

The value of the coins often doubles or triples because of the story that goes along with them, he said.