What began as a seemingly insignificant find in a dusty box has now become one of the most talked-about coin discoveries of the year. Dave Morrison, a 42-year-old mechanic from Ohio, had no idea that a tarnished, worn coin sitting in his glove compartment for over six months was hiding a fortune.
Initially mistaken for a mere arcade token, this 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar has turned out to be a rare and valuable collectible worth over $70,000. What’s even more surprising is how this coin’s discovery and the mystery behind it are inspiring coin collectors and casual hobbyists to take a second look at their own collections.
The Unlikely Start of a Treasure Hunt
The story began when Morrison was sorting through his late father’s belongings. Amid piles of receipts, matchbooks, and old knick-knacks, he stumbled across a small box of random coins. One coin caught his attention: it was larger than the others, tarnished and faded with time, and lacked the luster of typical money.
At first, Morrison didn’t think much of it. “I assumed it was one of those souvenir tokens from an arcade or fair,” Morrison recalled. “It didn’t look like real currency, and the design was so worn down that the details were barely visible.”
He put it in his glove compartment, where it would stay forgotten for months—until a coworker, who had an interest in coin collecting, noticed the unusual piece.
A Closer Look: A Hidden Fortune
The coworker, intrigued by the odd coin, suggested Morrison have it professionally evaluated. After all, it was larger than the typical penny or nickel, and its wear seemed too unique to be accidental.
When Morrison took the coin to a local numismatics expert, the truth was revealed. What he had was not just an old coin—it was a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, struck on a 90% silver planchet, but with an extremely rare minting error.
The coin lacked a mintmark, was significantly off-center, and exhibited a double die flaw, which means the design had been struck twice, causing a noticeable misalignment. This error is highly coveted in the coin collecting world because it increases the coin’s rarity and value.
“This isn’t just any ordinary half dollar,” said Jenna Reaves, a coin appraiser from Columbus. “It’s a first-year strike with multiple minting anomalies. In the numismatic world, this is like finding a hidden gem.”
From Glove Box to Gold
After authentication by a national grading service, the coin received a near-perfect grade for its category, which only further fueled its value. Bidding for the coin quickly heated up, and collectors began offering incredible sums. One high-end coin dealer even valued the rare piece at over $70,000 due to its historical importance, minting errors, and pristine condition.
For context, one ounce of gold currently trades around $2,300, meaning that this single half dollar—weighing just 12.5 grams—is worth nearly 30 times more than its weight in gold.
Why This Matters
The discovery of Morrison’s rare Kennedy Half Dollar shines a light on a valuable lesson for anyone who collects coins, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Thousands of Americans unknowingly possess coins with significant errors, hidden away in drawers, jars, or boxes inherited from family members.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is particularly important because it was made with 90% silver, and coins struck that year are highly sought after by collectors. However, the real value lies in rare variations like the double die errors, missing mintmarks, and other imperfections that can turn an ordinary-looking coin into an extraordinary find.
For coin collectors, mistakes during minting are more than just minor flaws—they are often the keys to unlocking hidden value.
A Growing Trend in Coin Discoveries
Interest in rare coins has exploded in recent years, with social media playing a large role in spreading the word. Stories of everyday people finding valuable coins in spare change, thrift stores, and estate sales have gone viral, inspiring even casual hobbyists to check their loose change.
“It’s always the coin you least expect,” said Reaves. “You don’t have to be a coin expert to find something valuable. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to take a second look.”
FAQ:
Q: What makes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar so valuable?
A: The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is made from 90% silver, making it inherently valuable. However, it’s the minting errors, such as missing mintmarks, double dies, or being struck on wrong planchets, that can turn these coins into highly valuable collector’s items.
Q: How can I identify a minting error like a double die or off-center strike?
A: A double die error occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice, causing a visible misalignment. An off-center coin will have the design not centered properly on the planchet, causing parts of the image to be cut off. These errors are typically noticeable with the naked eye, but a professional can provide a more accurate evaluation.
Q: How do I get my coins professionally graded?
A: You can send your coins to reputable grading companies like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for a professional evaluation and certification.
Q: Are there other types of rare coins that could be worth money?
A: Absolutely! Coins with minting errors, rare dates, or special editions are often highly sought after by collectors. Popular coins include the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel, 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny, and 1972 Eisenhower Dollar with errors.
Q: Should I clean my coins before selling them?
A: No, cleaning coins can significantly decrease their value. If you find a coin that might be valuable, leave it as-is and consult a professional grader.
Q: How do I know if a coin is worth selling?
A: If you think you’ve found a rare coin, it’s always worth getting it evaluated by a professional numismatist. Small errors or rare characteristics that may seem insignificant to the untrained eye can make a coin highly valuable.
Final Thoughts
For Dave Morrison, the discovery of the rare Kennedy Half Dollar wasn’t just about the money—it was a chance to connect with history and uncover a hidden piece of America’s past. What started as a small, forgotten token has now become a symbol of the unexpected treasures waiting to be found, even in the most mundane places.
