Rare Kennedy Half Dollar Found in Toolbox Now Valued Over $50,000

While cleaning out their late grandfather’s garage in Des Moines, Iowa, the Thompson family stumbled upon something far more valuable than a dusty old toolbox. Hidden among tools, nails, and worn-out tape measures was a coin that would make any collector’s heart race.

A Family Discovery

It was 36-year-old Emily Thompson who first noticed the unusual coin. “We were just going through Grandpa’s old stuff, sorting boxes and drawers,” she recalled. “Then my brother lifted a small tin at the bottom of a drawer, and inside was a coin wrapped in wax paper with a note that read, ‘Special. Don’t spend.’”

That coin was a 1964 Kennedy half dollar but not just any version. It was a rare SMS (Special Mint Set) edition, an extremely limited variety of the coin issued after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

What Makes the SMS Version So Rare?

While millions of standard 1964 Kennedy half dollars were minted for public circulation, the SMS versions were produced in extremely small quantities, likely intended for test strikes or presentation purposes. Experts believe fewer than 20 of these coins exist today. Unlike regular coins, SMS examples have a distinctive satin-like finish, sharper details, and no mint mark, giving them a strikingly elegant appearance.

Numismatist Grace Li, from the American Numismatic Society, expressed her excitement about the discovery. “Finding a 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar in this condition is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Collectors dream of moments like this.”

The Coin’s Value

The Thompsons contacted a local coin dealer, who advised sending the coin to a professional grading service. It came back certified as an SP67, or “Superb Proof,” rating. Depending on market conditions and buyer interest, such a coin can fetch between $50,000 and $75,000.

A Family Keepsake

Despite the coin’s impressive financial value, the Thompsons say the sentimental significance outweighs any price tag. “Grandpa loved history and apparently collected coins,” Emily shared. “It seems he wanted us to find this one someday, which makes it even more special.”

The family hasn’t made a final decision yet about whether to sell, keep, or donate the coin. “We’re still discussing it,” Emily said. “But it’s amazing to have a little piece of Grandpa’s history in our hands.”

Lessons from the Discovery

This story serves as a reminder that sometimes, treasures are hiding in the most ordinary places. Experts suggest checking old family collections, drawers, and boxes for coins or memorabilia that may hold historical or financial value. “If it looks unusual or someone told you not to spend it, it’s worth investigating,” Li advised.

From a forgotten garage drawer to a rare collectible worth tens of thousands of dollars, this small coin has become a story of family, history, and unexpected fortune. It’s a reminder that even in the most mundane corners, history can be hiding, waiting to be discovered.