Red leather binder with vintage coins
Description
I found a vintage coin collection this afternoon around 4:15pm on a bench outside the Downtown Mall along Main Street in Charlottesville. The set is in a red leather binder, about 6x9 inches, with a clear plastic sleeve holding roughly 60 coins from the early 1900s to the 1950s. They’re copper and silver-toned, some with light patina, and a couple are noticeably worn. Inside the front cover there’s a small note that reads 'Charlottesville Collectors Club 1987' and a brass sunrise token attached to the binder. I know someone put real effort into this, and I’d be glad to help get it back to its owner.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.