Imagine discovering a coin in your piggy bank that could cover tuition or even a down payment on a house. It may sound impossible, but certain Kennedy Half Dollars, Sacagawea Dollars, and Susan B. Anthony Dollars have sold for millions at auction. These coins aren’t just currency—they’re pieces of history, mistakes turned treasures, and objects of intense collector fascination. Even everyday change could hide one of these rare gems.
The Kennedy Half Dollar: A Presidential Tribute
Introduced in 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar was minted shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The nation wanted a lasting tribute, and this coin delivered. Early issues were 90% silver, giving them intrinsic value beyond their face amount. The obverse features Kennedy’s portrait, while the reverse showcases the presidential seal. Over time, silver content was reduced, eventually giving way to copper-nickel clad versions for general circulation.
Collectors pay top dollar for certain Kennedy halves, especially:
- 1964 Special Mint Sets – Pristine coins in 90% silver
- 1970-D Issues – Notable for limited circulation
- Doubled Die Errors – Where design elements appear doubled due to minting misalignment
Some of these rare Kennedy Half Dollars have sold for over $1 million, making them a crown jewel for serious collectors.
Sacagawea Dollar: Golden History in Your Hand
Released in 2000, the Sacagawea Dollar honors the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition. Its golden color and smooth edge make it stand out among modern coins. The obverse depicts Sacagawea carrying her infant son, while the reverse originally featured a soaring eagle.
The most prized Sacagawea Dollars are the so-called “Cheerios dollars,” which were included in cereal boxes as promotions. These coins have distinct details on the eagle’s tail feathers, differentiating them from standard issues. Some rare varieties, especially those with missing or doubled edge lettering, have achieved extraordinary auction results—one famously selling for $2.1 million.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Small Coin, Big Impact
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar debuted in 1979 to honor the women’s suffrage pioneer. Its size, nearly identical to a quarter, hindered public acceptance, leading to limited circulation and eventual discontinuation. The obverse features Susan B. Anthony, while the reverse depicts an eagle landing on the moon—a nod to the Apollo 11 mission.
Though most Susan B. Anthony Dollars are worth only their face value, rare proof coins, unusual minting errors, and low-mintage dates can fetch impressive sums. Collectors prize them not only for rarity but also for their historical significance in celebrating women’s contributions to American history.
How to Spot Million-Dollar Coins
Identifying potentially valuable coins requires careful observation:
- Check the date and mint mark – “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or no letter for Philadelphia.
- Look for mint errors – Doubling, off-center strikes, missing details, or extra design elements.
- Preserve condition – Use protective holders to prevent scratches or damage.
- Professional grading – Services like PCGS or NGC authenticate and grade coins, often increasing their market value.
- Avoid cleaning – Abrasive cleaning reduces value; collectors prefer original surfaces.
- Learn from the community – Join online forums and collector groups to compare findings and gain insights.
Key Features to Identify
- Kennedy Half Dollar: 1964 coins are 90% silver; 1965–1970 coins are 40% silver; later issues are copper-nickel. Silver edges are shiny white, not brown.
- Sacagawea Dollar: Check eagle feathers and edge lettering for rare variations.
- Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Rare proof or error coins are the most valuable due to low circulation and unique minting traits.
Why Collectors Value These Coins
The appeal of these coins goes beyond monetary worth. Each represents a story: a president memorialized, a Native American guide celebrated, and a pioneering woman honored. They combine history, artistry, and scarcity, creating a perfect storm for numismatic interest. Rarity, condition, and documented errors drive value, with professional authentication providing confidence to buyers worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Start Searching Your Change
Kennedy Half Dollars, Sacagawea Dollars, and Susan B. Anthony Dollars are more than everyday coins—they’re potential million-dollar treasures. The 2000 Sacagawea “Cheerios dollar” demonstrates that a simple coin can hold extraordinary value, and the right Kennedy or Susan B. Anthony variety could transform your collection overnight. Next time you handle old coins, examine them closely; you might just uncover a historic, highly valuable piece of America’s numismatic legacy. Happy hunting!