🎉 A retired teacher in Texas made headlines after discovering a life-changing treasure inside an old jar of coins. Hidden among normal change was a 1776-1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar… but not just any coin.
It sold for a jaw-dropping $1,700,000 because of a rare minting error.
If you own Bicentennial halves, you must check them — one mistake could turn yours into a six- or seven-figure coin.
This easy step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to look for.
💎 Why This Bicentennial Half Dollar Sold for $1.7 Million
The Bicentennial Half Dollar features Independence Hall on the reverse.
Most are common — but a small number contain extreme mint errors that make them insanely valuable.
Here are the most valuable ones you should check for:
1️⃣ The $1.7 Million Double-Struck Silver Planchet Error 🤯
This is the record-breaking coin.
Why it’s special:
- Struck twice, causing overlapping images (a clear “shadowed” design)
- Minted accidentally on a 40% silver planchet instead of the normal clad one
- Weighs 11.5 grams, slightly heavier than normal
- Sold for $1,700,000 (PCGS MS64)
If your coin shows doubled images AND feels heavier — stop everything.
2️⃣ FS-101 “Galactic Doubling” Obverse (Worth $250,000+) 🌌
A dramatic doubled-die error.
Check this area:
- Look closely at IN GOD WE TRUST
- If letters appear tripled, stretched, or floating, you may have the $250k version
- Only around 12 certified examples exist
3️⃣ Independence Hall “Ghost Reverse” (Worth $150,000+) 👻
A haunting double-image effect.
Look for:
- A faint second Independence Hall slightly shifted left or right
- Caused by a misaligned die during striking
🛑 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check If Your Bicentennial Half Is Worth Millions
Follow this simple checklist:
Step 1: Do the Silver Magnet Test 🧲
The million-dollar version is silver.
- 40% silver: Will NOT stick to a magnet
- Clad: Will have a slight attraction
If it passes → weigh it
- Magic number = 11.5g
Step 2: Check for These Key Errors 🔍
Use bright LED light + a 10x loupe or digital microscope.
| Error Type | What You See 👀 | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Double-Struck Silver | Two designs overlapping | $1.7M |
| FS-101 DDO | Tripling in “IN GOD WE TRUST” | $250K |
| Ghost Reverse | Floating double image of Independence Hall | $150K |
| 90% Off-Center | Big blank area; missing design | $85K |
Step 3: Check the Condition (Very Important) ⭐
To reach six-figure value → the coin must be uncirculated (MS63+)
- Never touch with bare fingers — use cotton gloves
- Do not rub, wipe, or clean
- If still in original mint red envelope packaging → extra value
🗺️ Where These Rare Coins Are Hiding Today
You may find these high-value errors in:
• Bank teller trays – Ask for half-dollar rolls
• Estate sales – Old cigar boxes or “junk drawers”
• Casino payouts – Still used in some machines and cashier cages
One collector even found an $800,000 error coin in a tip jar.
🚨 What To Do If You Think You Found One
Follow this checklist immediately:
- Place coin in a soft non-PVC holder
- Never clean it — you can lose $500,000 instantly
- Take sharp photos (10x zoom, bright light)
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
- Sell through a major auction house (Dallas, LA, NYC) for top dollar
Your coin could be the next million-dollar headline.
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