A Surprising Discovery in a Desk Drawer
Last week, a retired mechanic from Tulsa, Oklahoma, stumbled upon a life-changing find. Tom Reynolds, 62, had been using a Kennedy half dollar as a paperweight on his cluttered desk for years. The coin, tucked among old receipts and tools, seemed like nothing special. But when a friend who collects coins took a closer look, he urged Tom to get it appraised. The result? A jaw-dropping offer of $1 million from a private collector. This ordinary-looking coin turned out to be a rare gem that has coin enthusiasts buzzing.
The Kennedy Half Dollar’s Unique Story
The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. These coins were common in circulation, often worth just 50 cents. However, Tom’s coin was a 1964-D SMS (Special Mint Set) version, one of only a handful known to exist. This rare type was produced in limited numbers with a smoother, polished finish, making it stand out. Experts say fewer than 12 of these coins are known, and their rarity drives their value into the millions.
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Standard 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 |
| 1964-D SMS Kennedy Half Dollar | Up to $1M |
How the Coin Caught Attention
Tom’s coin might have stayed a paperweight forever if not for his friend, Mike, a hobbyist coin collector. During a casual visit, Mike noticed the coin’s unusual shine and sharp details. He suspected it was no ordinary half dollar and convinced Tom to send it to the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for grading. The NGC confirmed it was a 1964-D SMS in MS-67 condition, meaning it was nearly flawless. Within days, a collector offered $1 million, with auction houses predicting it could fetch even more.
Why This Coin Is Worth a Fortune
Several reasons make Tom’s coin a numismatic treasure. The 1964-D SMS coins were experimental, struck in small batches with a unique finish that wasn’t used in regular production. Their scarcity, combined with the coin’s pristine condition, makes it highly valuable. The Kennedy half dollar also holds emotional appeal for collectors due to its connection to a beloved president. Recent sales of similar coins have reached $800,000, but Tom’s coin could set a new record due to its quality and rarity.
| Feature | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| SMS Finish | Rare production method increases demand |
| MS-67 Grade | Near-mint condition boosts price |
Tom’s Plans for the Windfall
Tom, who found the coin in a jar of change inherited from his father, is still in shock. He plans to sell the coin at an upcoming auction in Dallas, where experts believe it could exceed the $1 million offer. Tom hopes to use the money to retire comfortably, help his grandchildren with college, and take his wife on a long-overdue vacation. The coin, now safely stored in a bank vault, has become a symbol of unexpected luck for his family. Tom says he’ll never look at spare change the same way again.
A Lesson in Everyday Treasures
Tom’s story is a reminder that valuable items can hide in plain sight. Coin experts encourage people to check their old coins for rare varieties, like certain Lincoln pennies or Washington quarters, which can also be worth thousands. The discovery has sparked a surge in coin collecting interest across the country, with many hoping to find their own million-dollar treasure. While most Kennedy half dollars are common, Tom’s find shows that a single coin can hold incredible value and change a life overnight.