An anonymous benefactor has showered blessings on the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia, and it’s more than pennies from heaven.
Lori Andrews, office manager at the zoo, said that a large collection of coins and currency was donated to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo late last year.
“A man came in and said he wanted to donate this anonymously, and he brought the tote in — a Rubbermaid tote,” Andrews said. “I couldn’t move it, it was that heavy.
“He didn’t leave a name. None of us knew who he was. It was totally anonymous. It was just brought to the zoo — and we said, ‘Thank you!’” she said.
The value of the donation has been estimated between $12,000 and $15,000. The coins are being kept at Commerce Bank, for safety.
Plans are under way to hold two auctions to turn the collection into spendable cash.
“I think they were divided up pretty evenly,” Andrews said. “There are mini sets, proof sets, rolls of coins, there are single coins.”
Among the coins is a 1937 three-legged buffalo nickel, she added.
According to information from “The Coin Site” at www.coinsite.com, the three-legged buffalo was the result of an “improper attempt to repair a damaged die” at the Denver mint. Many of those coins escaped into circulation before inspectors at the mint discovered the error. The coin is easily identified by the buffalo’s missing front leg. A small stump of a leg is visible on the coin and a hoof is at the bottom; however, the leg between the two points is missing.
Also in the collection is an 1876 “seated Liberty” quarter.
The first coin auction will be on April 21, at 10 a.m. Viewing of the coins will be from 8:30 until the auction, in the Education Center at the zoo.
There will be 365 items in the April auction and approximately the same number in the second auction.
The second viewing and auction, scheduled at the same times and place, will be on June 9.
The auctions will be conducted by Victor and Hope Edelman of Swift and Sure Auction of Lebo.
On Sunday after the first auction, the zoo will be host for “Party for the Planet,” an event that is being held in conjunction with other accredited zoos nationwide.
“There will be areas dedicated to learning about conservation, recycling, and how to turn your back yard into a habitat,” Andrews said.
The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 22, and activities and displays will be open for both children and adults. More information will be available later, Andrews said.