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The 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.50 in circulated condition to over $3,500 for rare high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change aren’t worth a fortune, certain mint marks and pristine conditions can make them quite a prize for collectors.
| Condition / Mint Mark | 1973 (Philadelphia) | 1973-D (Denver) | 1973-S (San Francisco Proof) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.50 | $0.50 | N/A |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.50 – $3.00 | $1.50 – $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) | $25 – $100+ | $30 – $120+ | $15 – $50 |
History and General Value of the 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar
If you have just discovered a half dollar tucked away in a drawer or a piggy bank, you might be wondering if you’ve struck gold. By 1973, the U.S. Mint had transitioned away from silver compositions for the Kennedy series. Unlike the 1964 coins (90% silver) or the 1965-1970 coins (40% silver), the 1973 version is made of a copper-nickel clad. This means that for most everyday Americans, the coin is simply a piece of legal tender worth fifty cents.
However, “value” is a relative term in the world of numismatics. If you use a top coin identifier app, you will quickly learn that “Mint State” (MS) coins—those that never saw the inside of a cash register—carry a significant premium. Collectors are often looking for coins with sharp strikes and minimal scratches.
To determine if your coin is a common spender or a collector’s gem, you need to look at three main factors: the mint mark, the condition (grade), and any potential errors. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you scan your coin to check for these fine details that the naked eye might miss.
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The 1973 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 64 million half dollars in 1973. Because these coins lack a mint mark, they are often referred to as “1973-P” coins. In common circulated condition, these coins are extremely easy to find and rarely trade for more than their face value. If the coin has scratches, dings, or appears dull, it is likely only worth 50 cents.
The real money lies in the high-grade uncirculated versions. A 1973 half dollar in MS67 grade is a rarity because these coins were often handled roughly at the mint or in transport. When checking the 1973 Kennedy half dollar price list, you’ll see that once a coin reaches the MS66 or MS67 level, the price jumps from a few dollars to several hundred.
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Because these coins were struck for general circulation, finding one that hasn’t been “beaten up” is the challenge. If you find a roll that looks particularly shiny and fresh, it might be worth having it graded professionally or using CoinKnow to estimate its potential grade before sending it off.
| Grade | Estimated Value (Philadelphia) |
|---|---|
| MS60 (Uncirculated) | $1.00 |
| MS63 (Choice Uncirculated) | $5.00 |
| MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $35.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | $1,500+ |
Understanding the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar Value
The Denver Mint struck a massive 83 million half dollars in 1973, identified by the small “D” located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date. Like its Philadelphia counterpart, the vast majority of these coins are only worth 50 cents. However, the Denver Mint was known for occasionally producing very high-quality strikes that collectors covet.
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According to reliable 1973 half dollar value guides, the Denver coins at the MS67 level can actually be more valuable than the Philadelphia ones because so few have survived in perfect condition. In fact, a 1973-D in MS68 condition is one of the “holy grails” of the series and has been known to sell for over $3,000 at major auctions.
If you are looking through a collection, pay close attention to the luster (the “sheen”) of the coin. If the light reflects off the surface in a “windmill” pattern, you have an uncirculated coin. If the surface is flat and gray, it is circulated and worth face value. You can use the CoinKnow app to compare your coin against high-resolution images of various grades to see where yours fits.
1973-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Values
The San Francisco Mint produced a special version of the coin known as a “Proof.” These were not intended for spending but were made specifically for collectors. They are characterized by a mirror-like background and frosted details on President Kennedy’s portrait. These coins will bear a small “S” mint mark.
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Most 1973-S Proofs are found in their original plastic sets from the mint. If you find one that has been taken out of its case and spent, it is known as an “impaired proof” and loses much of its value. However, high-quality proofs with a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish are highly sought after. A DCAM coin has a very stark contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted image.
| Proof Grade | Approximate Price (1973-S) |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof Gem) | $6.00 |
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $18.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $45.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $500+ |
Key Errors to Look For in 1973 Half Dollars
Error hunting is one of the most exciting parts of coin collecting. While the 1973 series doesn’t have a “major” famous error like the 1955 Doubled Die Penny, there are minor errors that can drastically increase the value of your half dollar. Look for things like “Off-Center Strikes,” where the image isn’t centered on the coin.
Another common error is the “Clad Layer Missing” error. This is where one side of the coin appears bright copper/red because the nickel outer layer didn’t bond correctly. These can sell for $50 to $100 depending on the percentage of the layer missing. “Clip errors” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of the edge during production are also valuable.
If you think you’ve found an error, it is important not to clean the coin! Cleaning a coin can destroy its numismatic value instantly. Instead, use a magnifying glass or a digital microscope. Many collectors use CoinKnow to identify if a strange mark on the coin is a recognized mint error or just “Post-Mint Damage” (PMD) caused by the coin getting stuck in a machine or being hit by a hammer.
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How Grading Affects Your Coin’s Final Price
In the world of 1970s coinage, grading is everything. Because these coins are made of common metals (copper and nickel), their value isn’t tied to the price of silver. Instead, it is tied to “population counts.” A population count is how many coins of that specific year and mint have been graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC.
For the 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar, there are millions of MS63 and MS64 coins. They are common. But as you move to MS66 and MS67, the population drops significantly. A single grade point can be the difference between a $10 coin and a $1,000 coin. This is why having a sharp eye—or a reliable app—is so vital.
When grading your own coin at home, look at the hair lines on Kennedy’s head and the feathers on the eagle’s breast. If these high points are flat or smooth, the coin is circulated. If the details are crisp and sharp, you might have an uncirculated specimen worth sending in for professional certification.
| Feature to Check | Circulated Condition | Uncirculated Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Kennedy’s Hair | Smooth, no fine lines | Sharp, distinct hair strands |
| Eagle’s Tail Feathers | Blended together | Individual feathers visible |
| Surface Luster | Dull or dirty appearance | Cartwheel light effect |
FAQ about 1973 Half Dollars
Q: Is there any silver in a 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar?
A: No. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver in circulating half dollars after 1970. The 1973 half dollar is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel (clad over a pure copper core). If your 1973 coin looks like silver, it is simply the nickel coating.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1973 half dollar?
A: The mint mark is found on the obverse (front) of the coin, right above the middle of the date “1973.” You might see a “D” for Denver, an “S” for San Francisco (mostly for proofs), or no mark at all, which means it was made in Philadelphia.
Q: What is the most expensive 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar ever sold?
A: A 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar graded MS68 by PCGS sold at auction for over $3,200 in 2021. Such high-grade coins are extremely rare because the 1973 strikes were notoriously mediocre in quality.
Q: Should I keep my 1973 half dollars?
A: If they are heavily worn or from common change, they are likely only worth face value. However, if they are part of a mint set, show no signs of wear, or have a clear “S” mint mark, they are worth keeping or researching further using a coin value tool.