Rare $875K Kennedy Half Dollar Found Under Couch Cushion

What began as a routine spring clean in an Ohio home turned extraordinary when a rare Kennedy Half Dollar, initially dismissed as pocket change, fetched a staggering $875,000 at auction.

Key Details at a Glance

Attribute	Details
Discovery	Found under couch cushions during a cleaning session in early June 2025
Error Type	Double die obverse error causing visible doubling of Kennedy’s portrait
Minting Date	Probably early 1970s, exact year not disclosed
Condition	Graded MS‑68 (near‑perfect mint state)
Auction Price	Sold for $875,000
Grading Agency	Certified by leading numismatic experts
Seller	Ohio homeowner, chose anonymity

Why This Coin Stands Out

1. Major Mint Error – The double die obverse is a rare minting mishap where coin’s obverse design is struck twice slightly off-kilter—creating a noticeable doubling effect.
2. Impeccable Grading – Achieving an MS‑68 grade is exceptionally rare for coins found in circulation. This near-perfect grade elevated its market value.
3. Collector Frenzy – Auction attracted intense bids from collectors hunting for mint-error Kennedy halves—the result: a near-million-dollar sale .

From Couch to Auction

• The coin was initially spotted in a junk drawer while cleaning.
• A visit to a local coin shop confirmed its rarity.
• Sent to a grading service (likely PCGS or NGC), labeled as an MS‑68 double die error.
• Successfully sold at a major U.S. auction, closing at $875K.

Broader Context on Kennedy Half Dollars

• Introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy.
• Mint compositions:
  • 1964: 90% silver
  • 1965–1970: 40% silver
  • 1971 onward: copper‑nickel clad
• Collectors highly prize error coins, proof strikes, and rare mint marks.
• Past high-dollar Kennedy finds include MS‑grade proofs and off‑center strikes. This find reinforces why these coins are closely examined.

Lessons for Every Coin Collector

• Check your loose change: Hidden treasures may lie just beneath the surface.
• Avoid cleaning: Preserve original surfaces when you suspect rarity.
• Get professional grading: Certification can skyrocket value.
• Research comparables: Auction records guide expectations.

This real-life tale of an $875,000 Kennedy Half Dollar spotted under a couch cushion is a numismatic dream: dramatic error, pristine condition, and market fervor. It’s a powerful reminder—sometimes your next fortune lies in a drawer or pocket.

Always examine coins closely, preserve them carefully, and consult experts—you never know when history might be hiding in plain sight.

FAQs

What exactly is a double die error?

A double die obverse occurs when the coin’s design is impressed twice from misaligned dies. Highly magnified, the doubling effect is clear, and rarity depends on its severity.

Why did this coin sell for $875K?

It combines three factors:

• Dramatic error
• MS‑68 grade
• Strong collector interest—all driving competitive bidding.

Could normal Kennedy Half Dollars be valuable too?

Yes. While most are face value, specific errors, proof variants, or low-mintage issues can fetch thousands or more—grading and authentication are key.