A Shocking Find at the Grocery Store
In a small Florida town, a trip to the grocery store turned into a jaw-dropping moment for Maria Lopez. On June 24, 2025, Maria received a Kennedy Half Dollar in her change while buying milk. Thinking it was just a 50-cent coin, she almost spent it, but her son noticed something odd. The coin was a rare 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar, valued at $1.9 million, more than a gold bar’s worth. Reported by Coin Collector Weekly on June 25, 2025, this find has sparked excitement, with people now checking their change for this valuable coin.
Why This Half Dollar Is a Treasure
The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar is a collector’s dream because of its unique production. Minted to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination, the coin features his portrait on the front and an eagle on the back. The “SMS” stands for Special Mint Set, a small batch of coins struck with extra care for collectors. Only a few are known to exist, and their mirror-like finish and sharp details make them stand out. Maria’s coin, graded MS-68 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is in near-perfect condition, pushing its auction value sky-high.
Key Features of the 1964 SMS Half Dollar
Here’s what makes this coin so valuable:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mint Year | 1964 |
| Type | Special Mint Set (SMS) |
| Material | 90% Silver |
| Design | Kennedy portrait, eagle reverse |
| Auction Value | $1.9 million |
Its rarity and pristine condition made it a star at a recent auction.
A Family’s New Beginning
Maria’s discovery has changed her family’s life. The $1.9 million from the auction has allowed her to pay off medical bills, buy a new home, and start a savings fund for her kids. Maria, a school bus driver, said she feels like she won the lottery. The story has spread like wildfire on platforms like X, where people are sharing tips on spotting rare coins in their change. Collectors warn that most Kennedy Half Dollars are worth only 50 cents, but the chance of finding a rare one keeps the buzz alive.
How to Spot a Valuable Half Dollar
Want to find your own rare coin? Here’s what to check:
| Tip | How to Check |
|---|---|
| Year | Look for 1964 or other early years |
| Finish | Check for a shiny, mirror-like surface |
| Material | Silver coins (pre-1971) feel heavier |
| Condition | Clean, unscratched coins are worth more |
Use a magnifying glass to inspect details, and get professional grading for suspected valuable coins. Most half dollars are common, but a rare SMS version could be a fortune.
A Treasure Hunt in Your Pocket
Maria’s find shows that treasures can hide in everyday places like grocery store change. The $1.9 million Kennedy Half Dollar has inspired people across the country to check their coins carefully. Experts say thousands of Kennedy Half Dollars are still in circulation, and a few rare ones, like the 1964 SMS, could be out there. The excitement has turned Maria’s town into a hub of coin-hunting fever, with locals dreaming of their own big discovery. Next time you get a half dollar in change, take a second look it might be worth more than a gold bar.