Imagine receiving a coin in your change worth more than a luxury car. In July 2025, a Chicago cashier, Maria Lopez, did just that, finding a rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar in her tip jar that was later valued at a staggering $156,000. This coin isn’t just a simple half-dollar; it’s a numismatic rarity that has sparked a new wave of treasure hunting among collectors and everyday people alike. Maria’s story proves that a life-changing fortune might be hidden in your pocket.
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The Chicago Tip Jar Surprise
While counting her tips at a local diner, Maria, 29, noticed a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar that looked unusually shiny and sharp. Recognizing its unique satin-like finish, she showed it to a friend who was knowledgeable about coins. They confirmed her suspicion: it was a rare 1964 “Special Mint Set” (SMS) coin. The coin was professionally graded as SP68 by PCGS, a near-perfect condition. It was later sold at a Heritage Auctions event for $156,000, making it one of the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars ever found.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is unique for several reasons. It was minted just months after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 and is composed of 90% silver. However, what makes Maria’s coin exceptionally rare is its Special Mint Set (SMS) finish, which gives it razor-sharp details and a satin-like luster that is distinct from regular coins. It is believed that only a handful of these SMS coins were ever produced, with fewer than 10 known to exist today, making it a true collector’s item. Other valuable variations include doubled die errors, where text on the coin appears shadowed or duplicated.
A New Coin-Hunting Fever
Maria’s discovery has ignited a new fascination with coin collecting. Although Kennedy Half Dollars are not common in daily circulation, they can still be found in old collections or bank rolls. Collectors are now on the lookout for the specific features that make these coins so valuable. The American Numismatic Association notes that many of the 1964 half-dollars were hoarded for their silver content and as a tribute to JFK, meaning that many more might still be waiting to be found.
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How to Identify a Rare Kennedy Half Dollar
If you have a Kennedy Half Dollar, here’s what you should check for:
- Year and Mint Mark: Look for the year 1964 with no mint mark, indicating it was minted in Philadelphia.
- Unique Finish: Check for the rare SMS finish, which has a smooth, satin-like shine and extremely sharp details that are not present on regular coins.
- Errors: Use a magnifying glass to look for doubled die errors, especially in the word “LIBERTY” or the date.
- Condition: A coin in good condition is always more valuable. Never clean old coins, as this can severely damage their worth. Instead, store it in a plastic holder and have it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
Maria plans to use her unexpected fortune to pay off her student loans and start a college fund for her son. Her story is a perfect example of how a simple coin can be a life-changing find, so be sure to check your change for a hidden treasure!
