A Surprise Find at a Flea Market
Last month in Florida, a retiree browsing a flea market made a discovery that shocked coin collectors everywhere. Tucked in a box of loose change, Joan Harris found a 1964 Kennedy half dollar now valued at $1 million. The coin, bought for just 50 cents, turned out to be a rare error coin from the first year the U.S. Mint honored President John F. Kennedy. After taking it to a local coin shop, Harris learned its true worth, sparking excitement among collectors. Now, people across the country are checking their change for this hidden treasure.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is special because of a minting mistake at the Denver Mint. This coin was struck on a 90% silver planchet meant for special proof sets, not regular circulation. Only a few such errors are known to exist, and this one is in near-perfect condition. Coin expert Linda Carter says the error happened when a mint worker used the wrong planchet, creating a coin with a unique silver glow. A similar Kennedy half dollar sold for $750,000 in 2022, but Harris’s coin could fetch $1 million due to its rarity and quality.
| Coin Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1964 |
| Mint | Denver (D mint mark) |
| Material | 90% silver (error) |
| Estimated Value | $1 million |
A Life-Changing Moment
Harris, a 72-year-old grandmother, said she nearly dropped the coin when she heard its value. She plans to use some of the money to travel with her grandkids and support a local animal rescue she loves. The coin is now with the Professional Coin Grading Service for official grading and will be stored in a safe deposit box until auction. Her story has inspired friends and neighbors to dig through old coin jars, hoping for their own big find. Harris laughed, saying, “I thought it was just a shiny half dollar, not a million bucks!”
A Boom in Coin Hunting
The discovery has fueled a surge in coin collecting, with shops reporting a 25% increase in customers checking old Kennedy half dollars. Social media is buzzing with tips on spotting rare coins, like looking for a silver edge or unusual weight. Community centers are hosting coin shows, and local collectors’ clubs are seeing new faces. Experts warn that most 1964 half dollars are worth only 50 cents, but checking for silver content could uncover a gem. The thrill of finding a million-dollar coin has everyone excited.
| Recent Rare Coin Sales | Value |
|---|---|
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (2022) | $750,000 |
| 1969-S Kennedy Half Dollar | $450,000 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | $300,000 |
Could You Have One?
Harris’s coin is set to be auctioned in Chicago next spring, with bidding expected to start at $600,000. Collectors from around the world are already interested, and some believe it could break the million-dollar mark. For now, Harris is enjoying her moment and encouraging others to check their change. “You never know what’s in your pocket,” she said with a smile. So, next time you get a Kennedy half dollar in change, take a closer look. It might just be the million-dollar coin everyone’s hunting for.