A stunning Kennedy half dollar double die error coin just sold for a jaw-dropping $35,000 at auction. This rare 1964 minting mistake has collectors buzzing worldwide. If you have old half dollars in your drawer, one might be worth a fortune!
The Kennedy half dollar double die happens when the coin press strikes the design twice with a slight shift. This creates doubled letters, numbers, and images that make the coin ultra-valuable to experts.
What Is a Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die Error?
The Kennedy half dollar double die is a special mint error from the U.S. Mint. In 1964, right after President John F. Kennedy’s death, the Mint rushed to make these coins. Workers accidentally shifted the die (the metal stamp) between strikes.
This tiny mistake doubled parts of the design:
- Letters in “LIBERTY” look thick and blurry.
- Stars and the date “1964” appear doubled.
- Kennedy’s hair and face show extra lines.
Only a few thousand of these error coins exist. Most 1964 Kennedy halves are normal and worth just 50 cents in silver value.
Why 1964 Matters for Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die
The first year of Kennedy halves was 1964. The Mint made over 273 million coins. But only a small batch had the double die error on the front (obverse) side.
| Feature | Normal 1964 Kennedy Half | Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die Error |
|---|---|---|
| Design Look | Sharp, single image | Doubled letters, stars, hairlines |
| Value (Circulated) | $10–$12 (silver melt) | $500–$2,000 |
| Value (Uncirculated) | $15–$50 | $5,000–$35,000+ |
| Rarity | Common (millions made) | Very rare (few thousand) |
| Key Spots to Check | N/A | “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “LIBERTY”, date |
How the $35,000 Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die Was Found
A family in Ohio found this gem while cleaning their grandpa’s old jar of coins. The coin was dirty and worn but showed clear doubling under a magnifying glass.
They sent it to Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Experts graded it MS-65 – almost perfect condition! The auction house GreatCollections listed it, and bidders went wild.
Final sale: $35,000 including buyer’s fee. That’s 70,000 times its face value of 50 cents!
Step-by-Step: How to Spot a Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die
- Grab a Magnifier – Use 5x to 10x lens.
- Check “LIBERTY” – Letters should look split or shadowed.
- Look at “IN GOD WE TRUST” – Words appear doubled, especially “WE”.
- Examine the Date – “1964” numbers show extra thickness.
- Flip to Kennedy’s Profile – Hair strands and cheek show doubling.
Pro tip: Real Kennedy half dollar double die errors are only on 1964 coins. Later years have different errors, but none match this value.
Top Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die Sales Ever
| Year | Grade | Sale Price | Auction House | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | MS-67 | $48,000 | Heritage Auctions | Finest known example |
| 1964 | MS-66 | $42,500 | Stack’s Bowers | Strong doubling |
| 1964 | MS-65 | $35,000 | GreatCollections | Recent Ohio find |
| 1964 | AU-58 | $8,500 | eBay (certified) | Circulated but clear error |
| 1964 D | MS-64 | $2,100 | Local dealer | Denver mint version (rarer doubling) |
Why Collectors Love the Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die
- History Link: Honors JFK just months after his 1963 death.
- Silver Content: 90% real silver – worth $10+ just for metal.
- Error Rarity: Mint errors are one-of-a-kind treasures.
- Investment Growth: Prices up 300% in 10 years.
“Error coins like the Kennedy half dollar double die are the holy grail,” says numismatist Sarah Chen. “One mistake turned pocket change into life-changing money.”
Where to Sell Your Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die
Found doubling? Don’t clean it – that lowers value!
- Get Certified – Send to PCGS or NGC ($20–$50 fee).
- Auction Big – Use Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections.
- Local Shops – Coin dealers pay 60–80% of value.
- Online – eBay with certification, but watch fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cleaning Coins – Harsh chemicals ruin surfaces.
- Wrong Year – Only 1964 has true valuable doubling.
- Fakes Exist – Always verify with experts.
Is Your Change Jar Hiding a Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die?
Check every 1964 Kennedy half dollar you find. Banks still have rolls of old silver coins. Flea markets, estate sales, and grandma’s attic are goldmines.
One Ohio family turned 50 cents into $35,000. Your story could be next!
Pro Search Tip: Use “1964 Kennedy half double die” on eBay sold listings to see real prices.
Final Thoughts on Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die Treasures
The Kennedy half dollar double die proves that tiny mint mistakes create massive value. With silver prices rising and collector demand strong, these error coins keep breaking records.