RECORD SALE: A 1776-1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Just Sold for $1.7 Million in Dallas
When 68-year-old retired schoolteacher Martha Wilkins cashed in her coin jar at a local Texas bank, she never expected one “worthless” half dollar would make her a millionaire. The rare Bicentennial error coin – featuring an ultra-rare double-struck 40% silver planchet – shocked experts when it sold for $1.7 million at Heritage Auctions. Here’s how to spot these million-dollar mistakes in your collection!
The $1.7 Million Error Breakdown
1. Double-Struck on Silver Planchet (Only 3 Known)
Key Feature: Full design struck twice, visibly offset
Silver Content: Weighs 11.5g (normal clad: 11.34g)
Record Sale: $1,700,000 (PCGS MS64)
2. FS-101 “Galactic Doubling” Obverse ($250K+)
Blurred Tripling in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
Date Appears 3D under magnification
Only 12 Certified by PCGS
3. Independence Hall Ghost Reverse ($150K+)
Complete second image floating to the right
Caused by misaligned die during striking
How to Spot a Million-Dollar Bicentennial Half
Step 1: The Magnet Test (5 Seconds)
- Silver versions won’t stick (40% silver)
- Clad coins weakly attract (nickel-copper)
Step 2: Look for These Errors
Double-Struck: Overlapping designs (tilt in light)
Missing Clad Layer: Copper shows through (weighs less)
“Spitting Eagle” Die Crack: Line through eagle’s beak
Step 3: Grade the Condition
- MS63+ or better needed for six-figure values
- Original red packaging adds 50% premium
Updated 2025 Value Guide
| Error Type | Circulated | Mint State | Superb Gem (MS67+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Struck Silver | $250K | $800K | $1.7M |
| FS-101 DDO | $5K | $75K | $250K |
| Ghost Reverse | $1K | $25K | $150K |
| 90% Off-Center | $500 | $15K | $85K |
Where These Treasures Hide
- Bank Teller Trays (ask for half dollar rolls)
- Casino Cashouts (often overlooked in Vegas/L.A.)
- Estate Sales (look for original mint sets)
“I found my $800K error in a tip jar at my diner!”
— @HalfDollarHank (TikTok)
What to Do If You Find One
- STOP! Handle with cotton gloves
- Photograph under LED light (10x zoom)
- Submit to PCGS/NGC for emergency grading
- Auction in NYC/LA/Dallas for max exposure
Never clean it – The patina could be worth $500K alone!
FREE Million-Dollar Checklist
Download: [“Bicentennial Half Dollar Error Bible”]
Get: Digital Microscope Recommendations
24/7 Hotline: 1-800-BICENT
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if you’ll check your halves today!
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