A valuable find in an old garage
You can just imagine – you are making the old garage of your house clean. Flipping dusty boxes, organizing old things and then you discover a coin which on initial look appears to be an ordinary coin. However, when you see it closely, you realize that that coin can be worth lakhs of rupees!
Recently, just such a surprising event actually occurred. Cleaning his vintage storage, a man located 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar – certainly one of America’s rarest and maximum high-priced cash. Its value may be everywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 (round 80 lakhs to at least 1.2 crores rupees).
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Coin Name | 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar |
| Mint Type | Special Mint Set (unofficial, experimental) |
| Estimated Value | $50,000 to $150,000 |
| Number Known to Exist | Approximately 12 to 15 |
| Surface Finish | Satin-like, not shiny or dull |
| Key Details | Sharp design in hair and feathers, squared rims |
| Mint Mark | None (No mint mark under the eagle) |
| Authentication Needed | Yes (PCGS or NGC recommended) |
| Storage Tips | Handle by edges, store in dry, cool places |
1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar – Why so special?
The unique aspect of this coin is that it is linked with “SMS” i.e. Special Mint Set. But the astonishing fact is that in 1964, the U.S. Mint issued no official special mint set.
Nevertheless, there were some coins produced whose composition and appearance are the same as SMS coins. They were likely produced for some internal presentation or test. Currently, only 15 such coins are known to exist around the globe, and hence they are incredibly rare.
What does this unique coin resemble?
- Its texture is satin-like soft and smooth.
- Fine printing details are extremely distinct in it, such as the lines of Kennedy’s hair or the feathers of the eagle on the back.
- Its rims are square and clean, not rounded and worn.
- And most notably – there is no mint mark on this coin, which is provided in regular coins.
Due to all these characteristics, if you possess such a coin, then it can alter your fortune.
Coin worth crores discovered in old garage
Recently, someone was cleaning out his old garage. There was a box of some coins among some old tools and documents. Amongst those coins, one of them was different from the rest – smooth surface, special texture and no mint mark.
Upon some research and verification by experts, it turned out it was actually a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar. Its worth was estimated to be between $50,000 to $150,000 – one day of dusting made that individual a millionaire.
How to recognize such an expensive coin?
If you wish to know if you possess such a coin or not, then listen to these things:
- Surface texture – must be smooth, satin-like.
- Design Details – The hair of Kennedy and the feathers of the eagle must be clean and freshly cut.
- Edges – The rims must be absolutely square, not worn.
- Mint Mark – There is no mint mark on this coin.
If you possess such a coin, have it certified at once by a reputable organization like PCGS or NGC.
What other Kennedy half dollars may be worth?
If you miss the 1964 SMS, here are a few other Kennedy half dollars that can brighten your pocket:
- 1964 Regular Kennedy Half Dollar
- Material: 90% silver
- Cost: $10 to $50 (condition dependent)
- 1964 Proof Version
- Special: Sparkling Collector’s Edition
- Cost: Up to $200 (in very good condition)
- 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
- Material: 40% silver
- Cost: $50 to $100
- 1998-S Matte Proof Version
- Special: Satin finish Special Proof
- Price: $300 to $500
Why are these coins so valuable?
These coins aren’t merely about silver or being old. They’re attached to an historic event—they were made in 1963, shortly after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Their scarcity, low mintage, and enigmatic background make them unique. And if they’re silver and among collectors’ demand, they can fetch astronomical prices.
How to care for your valuable coins?
If you have a coin that might be valuable, here are some things to remember:
- Handle the coin by its edges, not with your fingers.
- Never clean the coin—this can destroy its original texture and lower its value.
- Store it safely—put it into an acid-free plastic holder or coin capsule.
- Have it authenticated by PCPG or NGC to see if it’s real and how much it’s worth.
Is it time to dig through your old coins?
It is! If the average garage can produce a coin that’s worth millions, you never know, you might be next.
Old change boxes, grandpa’s vintage wallets – any of them may be a treasure chest.
With prices for silver increasing and the collector market heating up, coin analyzing is not only an avocation, it’s a smart investment.
A last thing
The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar finding reminds us that sometimes treasure is lurking just beyond our noses – we simply need the vision to see it.
Whether you’re a numismatist or just clearing out your old crap – it’s time to look closely at your old coins.
Who knows, that next big find may be stuck in your pocket or closet.
FAQs
1. What is the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar?
It’s an extremely rare prototype coin with satin finish, no mint mark, and sharp design details, believed to be part of a special mint test in 1964.
2. Why is this coin so valuable?
Only 15 are known to exist. Its rarity, mysterious origin, unique texture, and historical significance make it worth between $100,000 to $150,000 to collectors.
3. How was the coin discovered recently?
A man cleaning his garage found it among old coins. After expert verification, it was identified as a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar worth up to ₹1.2 crores.
