Man returns valuable coins he bought at a Massachusetts garage sale and leaves a touching note

MANSFIELD — A Massachusetts family says they were touched by a surprising act of generosity. They didn’t know there were rare coins mixed in with an item they had sold at a garage sale until they were returned with a note.

It has been an emotional year for the Spiewakowskis as they have had to move their elderly father from their home in Dudley, sell the house and many of their possessions.

“It was nice because my brothers and I were able to spend some time together in the house and reminisce about a lot of the past,” son Steve Spiewakowski said of the property sales.

But they will never forget what they gained from something that was given to them.

“We would never have known. We didn’t know that material was there and we would never have noticed it missing,” he said.

A garage sale customer paid $6 for a box of costume jewelry. Days later, that customer tracked down the family through her real estate agent.

“I don’t remember seeing this,” Steve said, holding up the small box of coins. “This is what he put in the mailbox. He said they were worth over $200. I don’t know the value of these coins.”

A note left behind

Even more touching than the return of the items were the words that accompanied them. The customer had also left a note.

“I just wanted to share with you a quote that has guided me to a more fulfilling life,” Steve read from the note. “Beware of over-concern for money, position or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are. Kipling. Goodbye, take care, Mike.”

The family has never met Mike and only knows that he is a collector, someone who might find coins even more attractive. But his honesty is more valuable than silver.

“Those are the heroes of the world. They do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” Steve said. “People can be so mean to each other. We forget how good people can be. I hope he knows what a tremendous impact he’s had on a family that’s been struggling with their dad’s stuff for the last year. He made a huge difference for us.”