Last month, a Michigan man discovered something that turned his life upside down—in the best way possible. David Miller, a 51-year-old retired firefighter, was digging through an old junk drawer when he spotted a Kennedy half dollar tucked beneath some dusty receipts and keys. At first, it just seemed shinier and a little lighter than usual. But after some digging, Miller realized he had stumbled upon one of the rarest Kennedy half dollars ever struck—a 1964-D transitional error coin.
Within weeks, that forgotten drawer find shook the coin-collecting world by selling at auction for a jaw-dropping $450,000.
Why This Coin Is So Special
The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. That year, most coins were made of 90% silver. But in a rare minting mistake, a small number were struck on 40% silver planchets—blanks meant for later issues. These rare misstrikes are known as the 1964-D Transitional Error, and experts believe fewer than fifty exist today.
Miller’s coin wasn’t just rare—it was pristine. Professional graders gave it an MS-66 rating, one of the highest possible grades, which sent its value soaring.
| Coin Type | Composition | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 1964 Half | 90% Silver | Common |
| 1964-D Error Coin | 40% Silver | Extremely Rare |
From Forgotten Drawer to Record Auction
At first, Miller showed the coin to a small local dealer, who knew right away it was something special. After authentication by a top grading service, the coin went to a prestigious auction house.
Bidding opened at $60,000 and quickly shot upward as collectors from around the world battled it out. Minutes later, the hammer dropped at $450,000—a new record for any Kennedy half dollar.
“I never imagined something sitting in a drawer for decades could be worth this much,” Miller said. He now plans to travel with his wife and set aside funds for his grandchildren’s education.
Why Collectors Go Crazy for Rare Coins
Coin collecting—known as numismatics—has always drawn people who treasure history as much as rarity. Error coins like Miller’s are especially prized because they represent tiny mistakes that slipped through the U.S. Mint.
“Error coins are a collector’s dream,” explained numismatics expert Laura Bennett. “They’re not just money. They’re time capsules of minting history.”
| Feature | Standard 1964 | 1964-D Error |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12.5 grams | 11.5 grams |
| Silver Content | 90% | 40% |
A Lesson in Everyday Treasures
Miller’s lucky find has reignited interest in coin collecting, with social media buzzing about people digging into jars, piggy banks, and old boxes. While most Kennedy half dollars are only worth 50 cents, rare variations like this one prove that life-changing treasures can hide in plain sight.
Experts suggest watching for coins that seem off in weight, color, or markings—and getting them checked by professionals.
What started as a simple clean-up turned into a $450,000 windfall for Miller. His story is a powerful reminder: sometimes, the greatest treasures aren’t buried deep underground or locked in a vault—they’re sitting quietly in the corners of our homes, just waiting to be found.