What started as a simple spring cleaning turned into a life-changing discovery for one Ohio family. During a routine cleaning, while moving furniture in the living room, a family member reached under the couch cushions and pulled out what appeared to be an ordinary silver coin.
At first, it seemed like just another forgotten piece of loose change — but this coin was far from ordinary. It turned out to be a rare Kennedy Half Dollar worth an astonishing fortune.
The Coin’s Unexpected Value
This particular Kennedy Half Dollar, identified as having a double die obverse error, sold for a jaw-dropping $875,000 at auction. Experts confirmed that the coin was minted in the early 1970s and was struck with an unusual minting mistake: a doubling of the coin’s image on the front caused by a misaligned die during production.
In addition to its rare error, the coin was graded MS-68, indicating near-perfect condition. A coin in this grade is exceptionally rare, especially for one that may have been circulating—or, in this case, forgotten—for decades. The coin’s excellent condition only added to its value, making it a prime example of why collectors seek out specific varieties.
The Kennedy Half Dollar’s Legacy
Introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination, the Kennedy Half Dollar quickly became both a commemorative and circulating coin. Although it is no longer widely used in everyday transactions, its historical significance and unique minting varieties continue to make it highly collectible.
Coins with minting errors or those in exceptional condition can command substantial sums, as proven by this rare find.
From a Forgotten Coin to a $875,000 Auction
The seller, who chose to remain anonymous, had no idea that the coin had such high value. When the coin was discovered under the couch cushion, curiosity led the seller to visit a local coin shop. A professional numismatist immediately recognized the rarity of the coin and recommended having it graded and sent to auction.
Once listed at a major U.S. coin auction house, the coin attracted intense interest. What initially seemed like a coin worth a few thousand dollars quickly escalated as bidders competed for the rare item. In the end, the auction closed at $875,000, with the winning bid coming from a private collector who had been searching for this exact variety for years.
A Wake-Up Call for Coin Collectors
This unexpected story serves as a valuable reminder that hidden treasures could be lurking in our everyday surroundings — from wallets and change jars to attic boxes and even couch cushions. While not every coin will bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars, stories like this one highlight the real-world value that can be found in the most unlikely of places.
A Kennedy Half Dollar found under a couch cushion might sound like an ordinary find, but this rare coin turned out to be worth $875,000. This astonishing discovery is making headlines and inspiring coin enthusiasts across the country to search their own homes for potential treasures.
Sometimes, the most significant discoveries don’t happen at a collector’s fair or a bank — they happen in the everyday furniture we sit on. So, before you discard that loose change in your couch cushions, take a second look. It just might be worth more than you think.
FAQs
What makes the Kennedy Half Dollar with a double die error valuable?
The double die error causes the coin’s image to be doubled, which is a rare minting mistake. This rare error, combined with the coin’s near-perfect condition, makes it highly valuable to collectors.
How did the coin go from being found in the couch to being worth $875,000?
After the coin was discovered under the couch, it was identified by a numismatist as a rare double die error. Following professional grading, it was sold at auction for $875,000, drawing significant interest due to its rarity and condition.
Are there other coins like this out there?
Yes, there are other coins with similar minting errors, like double die errors. However, the value of such coins depends on their rarity and condition. It’s important to have coins evaluated by experts to determine their worth.
