Niks
In a jaw‑dropping twist of fate, a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with a rare SMS finish and minting error was pulled from everyday change at a gas station—now valued at a staggering $3.21 million. Here’s the full story, packed with all the facts, figures, and details.
The Discovery
Who: Mike Sanders (or “Mark” in reports), a 42-year-old gas station owner/mechanic from rural Ohio or Pennsylvania. He was on a routine day when a coin in the register caught his attention.
What: A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar featuring an exceptionally rare Special Mint Set (SMS) finish, a distinct, mirror‑like sheen never intended for circulation .
Where & When: Found in loose change during register reconciliation around June 20–22, 2025 .
Why This Coin is Incredibly Valuable
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint | 1964, Denver (“D”) mint marking |
| Metal Content | 90% silver (pre‑1965 composition) |
| Special Finish | SMS – mirror‑smooth proof-like finish, ultra-rare for this coin |
| Mint Error | Die clash imprint—striking die to die, not planchet—a major rarity |
| Condition | Near‑mint, “one of the finest examples” graded by top experts |
| Survival Estimate | Only about 12 known examples of 1964-D SMS exist |
| Estimated Value | $3.21 million, with auction houses speculating higher |
From Curiosity to Verification
- Mike noticed the coin looked “shinier than usual.”
- His brother (a collector) recognized the SMS finish.
- It was sent to a grading service (PCGS) and authenticated as a genuine SMS, near-perfect specimen.
- With only 12 such coins known and exceptional condition, the $3.21 million estimate was confirmed.
The Aftermath
- Major auction houses and private buyers have expressed interest .
- Mike is weighing whether to sell or keep it as an heirloom, currently secured in a high-security vault.
- He’s considering using proceeds to pay off his home, support family, or travel.
Broader Significance
- This discovery proves rare coins can surface anywhere—including gas stations.
- It’s a reminder to scrutinize 1960s silver coins, especially if they appear special.
- Coin enthusiasts refer to this find as the “Bigfoot of Kennedy Half Dollars”—a once-in-a-lifetime coin .
A routine day at a rural gas station turned into a numismatic legend when a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar with a rare die clash error was found and instantly valued at $3.21 million.
Authenticated, secured, and now the center of a collector frenzy, this “Bigfoot” of coins reminds us to never overlook our spare change. Your next treasure might just be jingling in your pocket.
FAQs
How can a gas station coin be worth over $3 million?
Because of its 1964 Denver mint origin, 90% silver, SMS mirror finish, and a rare die clash error—all in near-perfect condition.
What is an SMS finish?
“Special Mint Set” refers to experimental coins struck with high-quality mirror surfaces. Only select coins like this were produced, and most were never circulated.
How rare is this coin?
Only about 12 known specimens of the 1964-D SMS Kennedy Half exist. This particular coin’s pristine state and minting error elevate its value exponentially.