Imagine this you’re cleaning out an old, dusty garage, tossing aside forgotten boxes and random junk, when you spot a coin tucked away in a corner. It looks ordinary at first glance. But wait it’s not just any coin. It’s a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar, one of the rarest coins in American history, and it’s potentially worth thousands even hundreds of thousands!
Sounds like something out of a movie, right? Well, for one lucky person, it became a thrilling reality. And guess what? You might have a hidden treasure too, sitting quietly among your old coins.
What’s So Special About the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar is the kind of coin that collectors dream about. But here’s the twist in 1964, the U.S. Mint wasn’t even officially making Special Mint Sets!
A handful of these mysterious coins somehow found their way into the world. Experts believe they were experimental pieces, made secretly or for very limited presentation purposes. Today, only around 12 to 15 of them are known to exist. That’s rarer than winning a lottery!
Each of these coins has a unique satin-like finish, sharper-than-usual details, and a perfectly squared rim signs that separate them from the millions of regular Kennedy half dollars minted in 1964.
The Dusty Garage Discovery
Recently, in a small town in America, an old garage was being cleared out. Inside one of the forgotten boxes, mixed with old tools and paper junk, lay a collection of coins. Among them was a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar but something about it looked different.
It had a smooth, satiny glow. The design was crisp and sharp. After a little research and professional authentication, the unbelievable truth came out: it was a genuine 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar!
Today, that one lucky coin is estimated to be worth between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on its condition. Talk about a life-changing discovery!
How to Identify a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Think you might have one hiding in your coin jar or old collection? Here’s what to look for:
- Finish: A soft, satin-like surface that’s different from shiny proof coins or dull circulated coins
- Details: Incredibly sharp designs, especially in Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers
- Rims: Square, almost perfectly shaped rims, not the rounded ones you usually see
- No Mint Mark: 1964 SMS coins do not have a mint mark under the eagle
If your coin matches these signs, stop everything get it professionally graded immediately! Companies like PCGS or NGC can confirm its authenticity and help you unlock its true value.
Other Kennedy Half Dollars You Should Check
While the 1964 SMS is the king of rare finds, there are a few other Kennedy Half Dollars worth keeping an eye out for:
1964 Regular Kennedy Half Dollar
- Composition: 90% silver
- Value: Around $10 to $50 based on silver price and condition
1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
- Composition: 90% silver
- Special Note: Ultra-shiny proof coins made for collectors
- Value: Up to $200 for higher grades
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
- Composition: 40% silver
- Value: Around $50 to $100 if in mint condition
1998-S Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
- Special Feature: Matte finish instead of shiny proof surface
- Value: $300 to $500
Checking your coins could easily turn up one of these valuable surprises too!
Why Are Coins Like These So Valuable?
Rare coins aren’t just metal discs they’re tiny time machines. They tell stories of history, politics, and human ambition. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, especially the SMS version, is packed with emotion because it was created just after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Plus, the combination of:
- Limited quantity
- Historical importance
- Mystery of their origin
- Collector demand
…turns coins like these into pure gold for collectors and investors.
How to Protect Your Valuable Coins
Found something that might be valuable? Here’s how you protect your new treasure:
- Handle with care: Always hold coins by the edges never touch the surface
- No cleaning: Even if it looks dirty, cleaning can ruin its value
- Proper storage: Use coin holders or capsules and keep them in dry, temperature-controlled areas
- Professional grading: Getting your coin authenticated boosts its value and credibility
One small mistake can cost you thousands, so it’s important to handle rare finds correctly!
Should You Start Checking Your Coins Now?
Absolutely! Every year, stories pop up about people finding valuable coins in the most unexpected places drawers, garages, old wallets, even backyard sheds.
With silver prices rising and the collector market booming, there’s no better time than now to take a closer look at that old jar of coins you’ve been ignoring.
Who knows? You might just uncover your own piece of hidden treasure.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar in a dusty garage reminds us all: real-life treasure hunts aren’t just for storybooks. They’re happening every day, often closer than we think.
Whether you’re a casual collector, an enthusiastic treasure hunter, or someone who simply loves a good story take a moment and go through your old coins. Because in the world of numismatics, sometimes one coin can change everything.
FAQs
What is a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar is an extremely rare coin believed to have been made for experimental or presentation purposes with only about 12 to 15 known examples.
How can I tell if I have a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar?
Look for a soft satin-like finish, sharp design details especially in Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, squared rims, and no mint mark under the eagle.
How much is a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar worth?
Depending on its condition, a genuine 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar can be worth between $50,000 and $150,000 or even more.
What should I do if I think I found a rare coin?
Handle it carefully by the edges, avoid cleaning it, store it safely, and get it professionally authenticated by grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Are regular 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars valuable too?
Yes regular 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars made of 90% silver can be worth $10 to $50 depending on silver prices and condition while proof versions can be worth up to $200.
