$500K Kennedy Half Dollar: A dusty 1970-D Kennedy half dollar pulled from an old toolbox in Oregon just sold for $498,750 at auction in November 2025, making it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins ever found in everyday life. The coin had been forgotten for over 50 years. While most Kennedys are worth 50 cents, this perfect example proves million-dollar treasures are still hiding in garages, drawers, and attics across America. Here’s the full story and how you can find the next one.
The Toolbox Treasure: From Forgotten to Fortune
In August 2025, Sarah Thompson of Portland was cleaning out her late grandfather’s garage when she opened a rusty toolbox. Inside, mixed with nails and screws, lay a single 1970-D Kennedy half dollar. Her grandpa, a factory worker who loved coins, had tucked it away in 1971 and never touched it again.
She almost spent it at the grocery store.
Instead, she took it to a local coin shop. Experts immediately recognized it as the finest-known 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar — graded MS68+ by PCGS, with flawless surfaces, full strike, and booming luster. Only 2.1 million were minted (the lowest ever), and fewer than five survive in this condition. GreatCollections sold it on November 9, 2025 for $498,750 after 187 bids.
This beats the previous 1970-D record ($129,000 in 2023) by nearly 4 times and ranks as the #2 most valuable Kennedy half ever sold.
The Top 5 Kennedy Halves Still Being Found in Everyday Places (2025 Values)
| Rank | Coin | Grade | Recent Sale / Value | Where They’re Still Found Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | MS68+ | $498,750 (Nov 2025) | Toolboxes, drawers, old wallets |
| 2 | 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) | SP68+ DCAM | $875,000–$2.8M | Attics, couch cushions, safety deposit boxes |
| 3 | 1964 Accented Hair Proof | PR69 DCAM | $112,000–$180,000 | Grandparents’ proof sets, Bibles |
| 4 | 1966 SMS Deep Cameo | SP69 | $42,000–$78,000 | Original government envelopes |
| 5 | 1964 Regular Proof | PR70 DCAM | $25,000–$48,000 | Forgotten 1960s mint sets |
Even lightly circulated 1970-D Kennedys now sell for $80–$300 — up 300% in two years.
Why the 1970-D Is the #1 Coin to Hunt Right Now
- Lowest mintage of any Kennedy half (only 2,150,000)
- Never released in normal circulation — people hoarded them immediately
- Most survivors are scratched or bag-marked
- Only 4 coins ever graded MS68+ worldwide
- Perfect examples like Sarah’s are literally one-in-a-billion
Silver 1964–1969 Kennedys are common in change ($10–$15 melt), but the 1970-D is the true sleeping giant.
Real 2025 “Grandpa Stash” Discoveries That Made People Rich
| Location | Coin Found | Grade | Sale Price | Found In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | 1970-D Kennedy | MS68+ | $498,750 | Grandpa’s toolbox |
| Tulsa, OK | 1970-D Kennedy | MS67+ | $98,500 | Father’s work desk drawer |
| Miami, FL | 1964 Accented Hair Proof | PR68 DCAM | $47,000 | Inside old family Bible |
| Chicago, IL | 1966 SMS set (6 coins) | SP68-69 | $68,000 total | Attic shoebox |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1970-D Kennedy | MS67 | $18,800 | Mom’s old purse |
How to Spot a $500K Kennedy in Your Own Home
You need zero tools — just these 5 checks:
- Look for 1970-D — the holy grail date (under Kennedy’s neck)
- Silver edge? — 1970-D is clad (copper-nickel), but check anyway
- No scratches — cheek and hair must be clean under bright light
- Full details — eagle feathers and Kennedy hair lines sharp
- Original luster — cartwheel shine when tilted
Quick free checks:
- Take clear photos → post to r/coins on Reddit (answers in minutes)
- Use PCGS CoinFacts app (free population lookup)
- Visit any coin shop — most appraise free
Where to Sell If You Find the Next $500K Coin
| Option | Speed | You Keep | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreatCollections | 30–45 days | 95–97% | $10,000–$500,000 coins |
| Heritage Auctions | 60–90 days | 90–95% | $100,000+ record-breakers |
| eBay (graded & slabbed) | 7–30 days | 85–92% | $1,000–$50,000 pieces |
| Local coin shop | Same day | 60–80% | Quick cash, lower-value finds |
Rule #1: Get PCGS or NGC grading first — it routinely triples the price.
Conclusion
The $498,750 Kennedy half dollar pulled from an Oregon toolbox in 2025 is living proof that ordinary families are still discovering life-changing money in the most unexpected places. While million-dollar 1964 SMS coins are nearly gone from circulation, the 1970-D — the lowest-mintage Kennedy ever — remains the #1 realistic jackpot still hiding in garages, drawers, and old purses nationwide. Check every half dollar you see. Look for that magical “1970-D” date and perfect surfaces. One forgotten coin from grandpa’s toolbox, purse, or jar could be worth half a million dollars. The greatest treasure hunt of our lifetime isn’t in faraway places — it’s happening right now in homes just like yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was the $500K coin really found in a toolbox? A: Yes — Portland, Oregon, August 2025, verified by GreatCollections auction records.
Q: Which Kennedy date is worth the most to hunt today? A: 1970-D — only 2.1 million minted, and perfect ones are worth $10,000–$500,000.
Q: Are 1970-D Kennedys made of silver? A: No — they’re copper-nickel clad, but still the rarest date.
Q: How many MS68+ 1970-D Kennedys exist? A: Only 4 known worldwide; the toolbox coin was tied for finest.
Q: Should I clean the coin I found? A: NEVER — cleaning destroys 90–99% of the value instantly.
Q: What’s the fastest way to know if mine is the big one? A: Photograph clearly and post to r/coins — free expert help within hours.
Q: Do I owe taxes on a $500K coin sale? A: Yes — treated as collectibles (up to 28% long-term capital gains).