Imagine cashing in your old coin jar at the bank… and walking out a millionaire! That’s exactly what happened to 68-year-old retired teacher Martha Wilkins in Texas.
While trading in spare change, Martha unknowingly handed over a 1776-1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar—a rare error coin that stunned experts. At Heritage Auctions in Dallas, it sold for an unbelievable $1.7 MILLION. 😱
Let’s break down what made this coin so special, how to spot these errors, and where you might find one.
🏆 Why This Bicentennial Half Dollar Sold for $1.7M
- Double-Struck on Silver Planchet (Only 3 Known)
- 🔑 Key Feature: Full design struck twice, slightly offset
- 🪙 Weight: 11.5g vs. normal 11.34g clad
- 💵 Record Sale: $1.7 Million (PCGS MS64)
- FS-101 “Galactic Doubling” Obverse ($250K+)
- ✨ Blurred tripling in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- 🔍 Date looks 3D under magnification
- 🧾 Only 12 confirmed by PCGS
- Independence Hall “Ghost Reverse” ($150K+)
- 👻 A floating second image on the reverse side
- ⚡ Caused by a misaligned die during striking
🔎 How to Spot a Million-Dollar Bicentennial Half
👉 Step 1: Quick Magnet Test (5 Seconds)
- ✅ 40% Silver = Won’t stick to magnet
- ❌ Clad coins = Slight pull from nickel-copper
👉 Step 2: Look for Rare Errors
- 🔁 Double-Struck: Overlapping design, visible when tilted
- 🟤 Missing Clad Layer: Copper core peeking through
- 🦅 “Spitting Eagle”: Die crack through the eagle’s beak
👉 Step 3: Condition is Everything
- Coins graded MS63+ can hit six figures
- Original red U.S. Mint packaging = +50% value boost
💵 2025 Value Guide for Bicentennial Half Dollar Errors
| Error Type | Circulated | Mint State | Superb Gem (MS67+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Struck Silver | $250K | $800K | $1.7M |
| FS-101 DDO | $5K | $75K | $250K |
| Ghost Reverse | $1K | $25K | $150K |
| 90% Off-Center | $500 | $15K | $85K |
🕵️ Where These Coins Hide
- 🏦 Bank Teller Trays – Ask for half dollar rolls
- 🎰 Casino Cashouts – Common in Vegas & Los Angeles
- 🏚 Estate Sales – Check old mint sets
- 🍽 True Story: “I found my $800K error in a diner tip jar!” — @HalfDollarHank (TikTok)
🚀 What To Do If You Find One
- 🧤 Handle with cotton gloves only
- 📸 Photograph under LED light (10x zoom)
- 📦 Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
- 🏛 Auction in NYC, LA, or Dallas for maximum exposure
⚠️ Never clean the coin! A natural patina could add $500K to its value.
🎁 FREE Million-Dollar Collector Tools
📥 Download: “Bicentennial Half Dollar Error Bible”
🔬 Bonus: Digital microscope recommendations
📞 24/7 Coin Hotline: 1-800-BICENT
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