In 1964, the U.S. Mint released a special coin to honor President John F. Kennedy after he was tragically assassinated. This coin, called the Kennedy Half Dollar, quickly became popular. Many Americans kept it as a memory of their president. Some people spent the coin normally, while others saved it.
The Hidden SMS Version
There is a rare version of this coin that almost no one saw for many years. It’s called the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar. This version is very special because it was made with extra care. It has very sharp details and a shiny, mirror-like finish. Experts think fewer than 12 of these coins exist. They were never made for everyday use. People believed they were test coins made by the U.S. Mint and later forgotten. Some thought they were lost forever. But now, one has been found again, and collectors are very excited.
The Surprise Auction Find
The rare coin was discovered by accident at a small auction in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was part of a collection of old coins and jewelry. A coin expert at the auction noticed something different about it. After being checked by professionals, it was confirmed to be a real 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar. It was in excellent condition. The auction price quickly rose and the coin sold for $125,000. The buyer wanted to stay anonymous but said it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” discovery. The coin’s previous owner, an elderly woman, didn’t know it was valuable. She had inherited it many years ago.
Why This Coin Is So Valuable
This coin is rare and has great historical meaning. It’s one of the few made in a special way and never released to the public. Because of this, collectors will pay a lot of money for it. The condition also matters. Coins in perfect shape are worth even more. Here’s a simple table comparing the value of different 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars:
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar | $50 – $100 |
| Regular 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $5 – $15 |
As you can see, the SMS version is much more valuable than the others.
A Special Find for Coin Collectors
The discovery of this coin is very exciting for coin collectors. It’s not just about the money. This coin is a small part of U.S. history. It represents a time when the whole country was mourning a beloved leader. Now, collectors are checking their old coins to see if they might have a rare one too. Historians are also trying to learn more about where these coins went and how they stayed hidden for so long.
What Happens Next?
The person who bought the coin now owns a very rare piece of history. No one knows what they will do with it. Maybe they will keep it in a private collection. Maybe they will lend it to a museum. Or maybe they will sell it again for more money. What’s clear is that the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar still gets people excited. It’s a reminder that rare treasures can be found anywhere—even in an old jewelry box.
FAQs
What does SMS mean?
It means Special Mint Set, a coin made with extra care.
How many 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollars exist?
Less than 12 are known.
Can I find one in regular coin rolls?
No, these were never used in public.
How much is it worth?
It can be worth $100,000 or more.
Why is it so rare?
It was a test coin, not made for circulation.
