Kennedy Coin : A family cleaning out their late grandfather’s garage in Des Moines, Iowa, recently stumbled upon what seemed like an ordinary piece of pocket change tucked away in an old, rusted toolbox. But what they discovered wasn’t just a coin—it was a hidden treasure worth more than $50,000.
The find? A rare 1964 Kennedy half dollar, one of the most mysterious and sought-after coins in American numismatics.
A Coin Among Tools and Memories
According to 34-year-old Amanda Reid, the discovery happened while she and her siblings were sorting through their grandfather’s belongings after his passing.
“We were going through drawers full of screws, tape measures, old keys—you know, grandpa stuff,” Amanda said. “Then my brother opened a small tin in the bottom of a drawer, and there it was: this shiny coin wrapped in wax paper with a little note that just said, ‘Special. Don’t spend.’”
That “special” coin turned out to be much more than a family keepsake. It was a 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar—a coin so rare that fewer than 20 verified examples are known to exist.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was the first version of the coin issued following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. While millions of these coins were produced for circulation, the coin found in the toolbox is an elusive SMS (Special Mint Set) variety.
These SMS coins were never officially released to the public. They were test strikes or presentation pieces, created under mysterious circumstances. Experts believe fewer than two dozen were ever made, and most are now in private collections or museums.
“The moment I saw the photos, I had chills,” said numismatist Grace Li from the American Numismatic Society. “This is the kind of discovery that collectors dream of but rarely experience.”
A Surprise Appraisal
The family contacted a local coin dealer, who sent the coin to a professional grading service. It came back certified as an authentic 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar in near-pristine condition—earning a grade of SP67, or “Superb Proof.”
Current market estimates for such a coin put its value between $50,000 and $75,000, depending on market demand and the specific buyer.
A Legacy Worth More Than Money
Though the coin’s value stunned the Reid family, the emotional connection to their grandfather made the discovery even more meaningful.
“Grandpa was a Vietnam vet, a history buff, and apparently, a bit of a coin collector,” Amanda shared. “We think he may have gotten it through a friend or a trade, and he must have known it was special to label it like that.”
The family hasn’t decided whether to sell the coin, keep it in the family, or donate it to a museum. “We’re still talking it over,” Amanda said. “But whatever happens, we’re just grateful to have found it—and to feel like Grandpa left us one last little surprise.”
The Bigger Picture
This remarkable discovery is a reminder that valuable treasures can often be hiding in plain sight. Coin experts recommend checking old collections, safe deposit boxes, and even family storage areas for overlooked items of historical and financial significance.
“If it looks unusual or if someone told you never to spend it, there’s probably a reason,” said Li. “Don’t toss it without checking.”
A glimmering silver coin, tucked away in a forgotten toolbox, has turned into a six-figure surprise and a priceless family story. As it turns out, Grandpa’s toolbox didn’t just hold tools—it held a piece of American history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What kind of coin was found in the toolbox?
A: It was a 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy half dollar, an extremely rare and valuable version of the coin issued after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Q2: Why is the 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar so rare?
A: The SMS version of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar was never officially released by the U.S. Mint. Experts believe only about 12 to 20 of these coins were produced, likely as test strikes or presentation pieces, making them some of the rarest modern coins in U.S. history.
Q3: How much is the coin worth?
A: The coin found in the toolbox was professionally graded and valued between $50,000 and $75,000, depending on its condition and the collector market.
Q4: How can you tell if a 1964 Kennedy half dollar is the rare SMS variety?
A: SMS coins have a distinct satiny or proof-like finish, very sharp details, and no mint mark. They often look different from regular circulation coins and are best identified by a professional grading service.
