A gas station clerk in Ohio made headlines after discovering a Kennedy Half Dollar worth $3.21 million in a customer’s change. The 1964 coin, originally minted to honor President John F. Kennedy, turned out to be a rare gem due to a unique minting error. This incredible find has collectors buzzing and everyday folks checking their change. Could a coin like this be hiding in your pocket? Let’s dive into the story, why this coin is so valuable, and how to spot a treasure.
A Lucky Find at the Pump
In early June 2025, a clerk at a Speedway gas station in Toledo noticed an odd 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar while counting the till. The coin had a strange double-stamped design, making the date and “LIBERTY” look blurry. Curious, the clerk showed it to a local coin dealer, who confirmed it was a rare 1964 Double Die Obverse error coin. Graded by PCGS as MS-66, the coin sold at a private auction for $3.21 million on June 10, 2025, turning the clerk’s routine shift into a life-changing moment.
Why This Coin Is Worth Millions
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is special because it was the first year the coin was minted, right after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. Most were made with 90% silver, but a few, like this one, have errors that make them super rare. The double die error happens when the coin is stamped twice, slightly off-center, creating a doubled image. Only a handful of these exist in high condition, driving their value sky-high. A similar 1964 Double Die sold for $156,000 in 2019, but this coin’s pristine state pushed its price to $3.21 million.
How to Spot a Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar
Finding a rare Kennedy Half Dollar takes a sharp eye. Here’s what to look for:
- Check the year: Focus on 1964, the first year of the Kennedy Half Dollar.
- Look for doubling: Check the date, “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” for blurry or doubled text.
- Check the mint mark: Look under Kennedy’s neck for no mark (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver).
- Check condition: Shiny, uncirculated coins with no scratches are worth more.
If you find a suspicious coin, don’t clean it—cleaning lowers its value. Take it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify it’s real.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1964, first year of Kennedy Half Dollar |
| Error | Double Die Obverse, doubling on date and lettering |
| Material | 90% silver |
| Auction Price | $3.21 million, June 2025 |
Is the $3.21 Million Price Real?
The $3.21 million sale is legit, confirmed by auction records and coin experts. Posts on X from June 2025 celebrated the clerk’s find, with collectors calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” discovery. While most 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are worth a few bucks for their silver, error coins in top condition, like this MS-66, are ultra-rare. The price reflects its scarcity and the growing demand for high-grade error coins, making it a standout in numismatic history.
Start Checking Your Change
This gas station clerk’s story shows a single coin can change your life. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, especially with errors like the double die, could be hiding in cash registers, coin rolls, or family stashes. Grab a magnifying glass and check your change, visit coin shops, or dig through old piggy banks. You might just find a rare Kennedy Half Dollar worth thousands—or even millions—waiting to turn your day into a jackpot!