$875K Kennedy Half Dollar: A routine clean-up turned into a life-changing moment when a California family discovered a single 1964 Kennedy half dollar wedged under their old couch cushion. What looked like ordinary pocket change was actually the finest-known example of a legendary rarity — graded SP68+ Deep Cameo by PCGS and sold for a stunning $875,000 at auction in October 2025. This incredible find proves that million-dollar coins are still hiding in everyday places. Here’s the full story, the exact coin, and how you can hunt for your own hidden fortune.
The $875K Couch Coin: What They Actually Found
In late September 2025, the Martinez family in Sacramento was moving furniture when a shiny 1964 Kennedy half rolled out from under the cushion. The coin had been lost decades ago by the homeowner’s grandfather, a coin enthusiast who died in 1992. Instead of spending it, they took it to a local shop — and jaws dropped.
It wasn’t just any 1964 Kennedy. It was one of the ultra-rare 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) coins struck on proof dies but never officially released to the public. Only 12–20 are believed to exist in all grades, and this one earned the highest grade ever: SP68+ Deep Cameo with perfect black-and-white contrast, flawless surfaces, and full strike. Heritage Auctions sold it on October 24, 2025 for $875,000 after fierce bidding.
This beats the previous public record for a non-SMS 1964 Kennedy (around $180,000) and ranks among the top 10 most valuable modern U.S. coins ever sold.
The Top 5 Kennedy Half Dollars That Turn Up in Everyday Places (2025 Values)
| Rank | Coin Type | Best Known Grade | Recent Sale / Value | Where They’re Still Found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) | SP68+ Deep Cameo | $875,000 (Oct 2025) | Old couch cushions, attics, drawers |
| 2 | 1964 Accented Hair Proof | PR69 Deep Cameo | $112,000–$180,000 | Grandparents’ proof sets, jars |
| 3 | 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | MS68+ | $82,000–$129,000 | Bank rolls, coffee cans, old purses |
| 4 | 1966 SMS Deep Cameo | SP69 | $42,000–$78,000 | Original government envelopes |
| 5 | 1964 Proof Regular Issue | PR70 Deep Cameo | $25,000–$48,000 | Forgotten proof sets from the 1960s |
Even lightly circulated versions of these bring $500–$5,000.
How a Lost Coin Stayed Perfect for 60 Years
The $875K coin survived decades under a couch because:
- It was struck on a special high-pressure press (proof quality).
- It never entered circulation — slipped out of Grandpa’s pocket the day he brought the set home.
- The dark fabric protected it from light and air damage.
- No one ever cleaned or touched it.
This “time-capsule” preservation is why collectors paid nearly $1 million — perfect coins are rarer than flawless diamonds.
Where These Hidden Treasures Are Still Being Found Today
Real 2025 discoveries:
- Sacramento, CA — $875K 1964 SMS under couch (Oct 2025)
- Tulsa, OK — 1970-D MS68 found in father’s toolbox → $98,500
- Portland, OR — 1964 Accented Hair PR68 in grandma’s Bible → $47,000
- Atlanta, GA — Full 1966 SMS set in attic → $68,000 total
Common hiding spots:
- Old furniture cushions and recliners
- Coffee cans and cookie jars
- Dresser drawers and purses
- Forgotten proof/mint sets in closets
- Bank safety deposit boxes never claimed
How to Spot a Potential $875K Kennedy in Your House
You don’t need fancy tools — just these 5 checks:
- Date: 1964, 1966, or 1970-D are the big ones.
- Edge: Solid silver (no copper line) = 1964–1970.
- Surface: Mirror-like fields with frosted portrait = possible SMS/proof.
- Hair detail: Look for “Accent Hair” broken lines above ear on 1964 proofs.
- No wear: Zero scratches or marks on cheek and hair.
Quick free verification:
- Take well-lit photos → post to r/coins on Reddit (answers in minutes)
- Use PCGS CoinFacts app (free grade estimator)
- Visit a local coin shop (many appraise free)
Where to Sell If You Find One
| Sale Option | Speed | You Keep | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage / Stack’s Bowers | 60–90 days | 90–95% | $50,000+ coins (record prices) |
| GreatCollections | 30–45 days | 95–97% | $5,000–$100,000 pieces |
| eBay (slabbed) | 7–30 days | 85–92% | $500–$20,000 coins |
| Local shop | Same day | 60–80% | Quick cash, lower-value finds |
Always get PCGS/NGC grading first for coins worth over $1,000 — it routinely adds 50–300%.
Conclusion
The $875,000 Kennedy half dollar found under a California couch in 2025 is proof that life-changing money is still hiding in plain sight. While the absolute finest coins like the record-breaking 1964 SMS are once-in-a-lifetime, thousands of $1,000–$100,000 Kennedys remain lost in drawers, jars, and old furniture across America. Start searching every half dollar you see — check dates, edges, and surfaces. One forgotten coin could pay off a house, fund retirement, or change your family’s future forever. The greatest treasure hunt of our generation isn’t over — it’s happening right now in living rooms everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was the $875K coin really found under a couch?
A: Yes — October 2025, Sacramento family, verified by Heritage Auctions.
Q: Which Kennedy date should I look for first?
A: 1970-D — still the most common “big money” find in circulation.
Q: Are all 1964 Kennedys valuable?
A: Circulated = $12–$15 silver value. Perfect proof/SMS = $10,000–$875,000.
Q: How many 1964 SMS Kennedys exist?
A: Only 12–20 known total; the couch coin was the finest.
Q: Should I clean the coin I found?
A: NEVER — cleaning destroys 90% of the value instantly.
Q: What’s the fastest way to know if mine is worth big money?
A: Photograph it clearly and post to r/coins — free expert help in hours.
Q: Do I pay taxes on a big coin sale?
A: Yes — treated as collectibles (up to 28% long-term capital gains).