Could a $5.9 Million Kennedy Half Dollar Be in Your Pocket?
A simple errand to the grocery store or a quick purchase from a vending machine could unknowingly put a small fortune in your hands.
One elusive Kennedy Half Dollar, reportedly valued at a jaw-dropping $5.9 million, is believed to still be in everyday circulation — hiding in wallets, cash drawers, and coin jars across America.
What Makes This 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar So Rare?
Minted in 1964 to honor the memory of President John F. Kennedy, the first Kennedy Half Dollars were struck using 90% silver. But the coin causing a stir among collectors today is not your typical 1964 version.
This particular piece is thought to be an ultra-rare error coin, possibly struck using a test silver planchet and featuring a doubled die obverse and a remarkably crisp strike — traits that greatly enhance its value. Combine these characteristics with its historical significance and pristine condition, and it’s no surprise it’s worth millions.
Still Circulating: The Ongoing Mystery
What fuels public fascination is that this coin isn’t sitting in a display case or safety deposit box — it’s still out there. Experts suggest it might have unknowingly been spent years ago and has since made its way through countless hands.
It could have been used for coffee, dropped in a tip jar, or given as change at a gas station — all while carrying a value far beyond its face.
A Surge in Rare Coin Interest
The coin collecting world is enjoying a resurgence, with social media and online communities sparking interest in valuable finds.
Stories of ordinary coins turning up in drawers or pockets and being worth thousands have reignited curiosity. From rare pennies to valuable nickels, more people are now taking a closer look at their spare change.
How to Identify a Rare Kennedy Half Dollar
Wondering if you might have the million-dollar coin? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: Stick to 1964, especially early mintings.
- Weight: It should weigh about 12.5 grams (90% silver).
- Minting Errors: Check for doubling on “LIBERTY” or Kennedy’s features.
- Condition: Coins in uncirculated or near-perfect shape are the most valuable.
If a coin seems promising, consider getting it professionally evaluated by a certified grading service.
One Coin Could Change Everything
The idea that a multimillion-dollar coin could be hidden in everyday circulation has inspired many to hunt through pocket change, old collections, and bank rolls. Though most Kennedy Half Dollars are only worth 50 cents, the slim chance of finding a $5.9 million piece keeps the dream alive.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar so valuable?
It’s a rare mint error coin possibly struck on a test silver planchet, with unique features and a doubled die obverse.
Q2: How can I tell if my coin is made of 90% silver?
Weigh it — a genuine 1964 silver half dollar should weigh around 12.5 grams and sound different when dropped.
Q3: Are all 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars worth a lot?
No, only those with specific minting errors and in pristine condition carry significant value.
Q4: Where can I get a rare coin professionally checked?
Use certified grading services like PCGS or NGC for expert authentication and valuation.
I literally have dozens of coins from my Father and I collecting them when I was young over 50 years ago, definitely some are early 60s half dollars and dollar coins.
Problem is , I know if I did have something special, or valuable, I wouldn’t have any way of finding it out. The coin places around me, I wouldn’t trust, with my pennies. I took some in I had looked up in the coin books we had , that were valued then at several times their face values, and the “coin expert” told me they were all just old money, not worth anything, more than face value and offered me a very low price if I would just sell everything to him.
So, they are all in the jars in the safe at home…
You made a Wise decision not selling them to that coin guy, because he was gonna make a fortune.d
Hello Bob, Unfortunately this is the case with most brick and mortar coin and bullion shops. I think collectors should talk with other collectors and receive an honest opinion on the value. There are other tools as well that can help with declaring the value of your coins ( Redbook, Greysheet.com, Ebay.com, Great Collections). I hope this information is helpful.
I am in the same boat. I don’t know who to trust with my Kennedy half-dollars at all. 😑
I got a few interesting coins Bob including kennedy… had a silver dollar from 1922 someone stole it last week I think
Are you currently wanting to sell your coins? I’m more than fair on pricing.
My mom has a glass 1 gallon container all filled with silver dimes, quarters, nickels, half dollars
I have a 64 uncirculated in a clear cube any thoughts? The eagle on the back is off set and there’s upgraded hair features
From Thailand
I have only one Kennedy Half Dollar,1966.for sale
I’ve got it stuck in my head that a coin dealer probably has a Great poker face! he can look at a million dollar coin and Not flinch while offering you $100, how can I trust them?
I have one 50 cents kennedy coin in hand , how do i display .
I have several, 1964 coins where can I sell them?
What coin dealer in pittsburgh,pa area could I ho to have my coins check? I don’t know of any.maybe you could suggest one for me.i have several coins I would like to have check
Darlene Mcdonnell
[email protected]. thank you
It’s not just floating in circulation. Do you guys even know the size of this coin? It’s not a typical coin size. My God, whoever wrote this article is dense.
I have one where canni sale my i need the 5.9 million
Feh. Go to any casino, play the half-dollar slots. You’ll get plenty of old Kennedys, and even Franklin halves.
My dad bought me a set of 1964 United States Uncirculated coins minted in Denver and Philadelphia. They are the Kennedy 50 cent piece, quarter, time, nickle and penny. They are all in a plastic case. Would like to find someone in the coin business to tell me if I have anything of value. I live in the Grand Rapids, MI area. Thank you.
I haveone it’s coin in with me in I sale it for that much worth in I send a picture of it or come getting it I have one
I haveone it’s coin in with me in I sale it for that much worth in I send a picture of it or come getting it I have one the half dollar 1964 silver
I need to get in touch with someone to sale my 1964 pure silver half dollar
[email protected] ,
Steven Ludwikowski,
I have several of these Kennedy half dollars dated 1964 all in mint condition
I hav2 2 uncirculated John Kennedy 1964 half dollars in individual coin protective cases.And a 1979 Susan B. Anthony uncirculated.
How do I sell to I am 75 years old and need do for myself before I need help Enjoyment. Do anyone answer these posting. I’ve done so many.