Curious? You won’t believe what was found at the Salvation Army for just $6!

A routine thrift store visit turned into an unbelievable discovery. One shopper found something worth far more than its bargain price.

Could a hidden treasure be waiting for you too?


On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, Marcus's thrift store adventure led him to an extraordinary find—a gold medal from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

With the price tag of just $5.99, this discovery was not only a bargain but also a mystery wrapped in metal and ribbon.

Marcus took to social media to share his find, jokingly reaching out to any Olympians who might be missing their precious award.


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Social media users were stunned that such a rare find turned up at a thrift store. Image source: @aramaroux/TikTok.


The social community was quick to react, flooding Marcus's comments with expressions of disbelief and envy.

One user lamented the high prices of thrift store items in their area, while another pointed out the irony of the retail price tag obscuring the medal itself.

“Not the retail price tag being placed over the medal itself.”


Many confessed they would have snatched up the medal without hesitation, fantasizing about the stories they could tell.

“This would be my most prized possession [laughing out loud],” one user commented.

“The way I’d hang this on my wall and make an elaborate story about myself going to the Olympics,” another joked.

Upon closer inspection, the medal bore the inscription “Cisco SSBR ‘Always Vigilant’,'” hinting at a possible connection to the technology giant Cisco.


Source: TikTok/@aramaroux.


Some speculated that the medal could be a souvenir or replica, given the shiny finish and the way the lanyard was attached—both details that differed from the official Rio gold medals.

“I do think there’s a good chance this is a replica since the gold is shiny. I’ve had a chance to see a Rio gold medal in person and the gold is a matte finish,” one user shared.

The official 2016 Rio medals, as listed by the International Olympic Committee, were unique in their composition.

They were made of recycled raw silver at 92.5 percent purity, sourced from materials like leftover mirrors and X-ray plates, and were completely mercury-free.

The ribbons were crafted from 50 percent recycled PET, and the medals themselves contained 30 percent recycled silver and bronze.


The 2016 Rio Olympics were a momentous occasion, marking the first time the games were held in South America.

Team USA dominated the medal count, bringing home a total of 121 medals, including 46 golds. Marcus's find, whether authentic or not, brought back memories of that triumphant time.

Marcus wasn't alone in his thrift store luck.

Also read: Thrift store finds: What’s the secret behind this anonymous donor’s rare gold coin worth thousands?

Other social media users chimed in with their own stories of Olympic memorabilia discoveries, from official US speed skating outfits to Olympic sweaters, all unearthed at bargain prices.

Marcus's viral story is a testament to the thrill of thrift shopping—a world where hidden gems and unexpected treasures can be found amidst the secondhand goods.

It's a reminder that anyone can stumble upon a piece of history, a work of art, or even an Olympic medal, all for the cost of a few dollars.

Remember, the best finds often come when you least expect them. Keep your eyes open and your curiosity piqued—you never know what you might uncover for just a handful of change.
Key Takeaways
  • A social media user named Marcus found a medal inscribed with “Cisco SSBR ‘Always Vigilant’” at a Salvation Army store in San Diego.
  • People on social media expressed astonishment that such an item could be found at a thrift store for only $6.
  • Some commenters speculated the medal might be a replica or souvenir due to various differences from the official 2016 Rio Olympics medals.
  • The found medal's lustrous appearance and lanyard connection differed from the matte finish and hardware of the official Rio medals, which were made from recycled materials and free of mercury.
So, next time you pass by a Salvation Army or your local thrift store, consider taking a peek inside. Who knows? You might just find your own $6 treasure.

And if you do, we'd love to hear about it! Share your most incredible thrift store finds in the comments below, and let's celebrate the joy of discovery together.
 

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