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The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $0.50 in worn condition to over $1,500 for rare high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in your change today are only worth their face value, certain mint marks and errors can make them a valuable addition to any collection.
| Condition / Mint Mark | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (P or D) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | $3.00 – $35.00 |
| Proof (S) Type 1 | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (S) Type 2 (Rare Clear S) | $40.00 – $100.00+ |
An Overview of the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar History
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964 as a memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy. By 1979, the United States Mint was producing these coins using a copper-nickel clad composition rather than silver. If you are looking at a coin you found in a drawer, you can use a top coin identifier app to quickly confirm its date and origin.
In 1979, three mints were responsible for production: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While the total mintage surpassed 84 million coins, most were used heavily in commerce or sat in bank vaults. Today, finding one in your pocket change is becoming rarer, but rarity does not always equal high value.
For the everyday American, the main catch is that by 1979, the silver content was long gone. Unless you have a specifically recognized error or a coin that looks like it just came off the press, it likely won’t fund a retirement. However, using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a collector’s item.
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Tracking the 1979 P Kennedy Half Dollar Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 68 million half dollars in 1979. These coins do not feature a mint mark (which was the standard for Philadelphia at the time). In “Average Circulated” condition, these coins are usually only worth their face value of 50 cents. Collectors typically ignore coins with scratches, heavy wear, or dull surfaces.
However, the market shifts once you reach “Mint State” (MS) grades. A 1979 Philadelphia coin that has been preserved in a mint set can fetch a premium. If the coin is graded MS65 or higher, the price starts to climb into the double digits. Collectors look for a strong strike on Kennedy’s hair and sharp details on the eagle’s feathers on the reverse.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you believe you have a high-grade specimen, you can check the latest 1979 Kennedy half dollar price data to see what recent auctions have yielded. Often, a coin that looks “shiny” to the naked eye might only be an AU (About Uncirculated) coin worth a dollar, but a true MS67 could be worth hundreds.
| Grade | 1979 (No Mint Mark) Value |
|---|---|
| MS60 (Typical Uncirculated) | $1.00 |
| MS63 (Choice Uncirculated) | $5.00 |
| MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $30.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | $450.00+ |
Understanding the 1979 D Half Dollar Worth
The Denver Mint produced about 15 million Kennedy Half Dollars in 1979, marked with a small “D” on the obverse above the date. Interestingly, the Denver mintage was significantly lower than Philadelphia’s that year. While this might suggest the 1979-D is rarer, there are still plenty available for collectors.
Most 1979-D coins found today are worth 50 cents to $1. The real value is found in the highest grades. Because Denver coins often suffered from “bag marks” (small nicks from hitting other coins in transit), finding a perfect, mark-free 1979-D is a challenge. Using CoinKnow allows you to scan the surface details of your coin to see if it qualifies as a high-grade specimen.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you have a Denver coin and want a deep dive into its market trends, you can find detailed 1979 Kennedy half dollar value information to help you decide if it is worth the cost of professional grading. Grading usually costs $20-$50 per coin, so it is only worth it if the coin’s value exceeds that cost.
The 1979 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar: Type 1 vs. Type 2
The San Francisco Mint produced “Proof” coins specifically for collectors. These coins have a mirror-like background and frosted details. In 1979, a major change occurred in the design of the “S” mint mark, leading to two distinct varieties known as Type 1 and Type 2.
The Type 1 “Filled S” is the more common version. The mint mark appears somewhat “blob-like” and the middle of the “S” is not clearly defined. Toward the end of 1979, the mint replaced the punch with a new, clearer design. This created the Type 2 “Clear S,” where the mint mark is sharp, well-defined, and clearly legible.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Type 2 is considerably more valuable than the Type 1. Identifying the difference requires a magnifying glass or a high-quality smartphone camera. Many novices misidentify their coins, so it is essential to compare the mint mark shape against known examples before assuming you have the rarer Type 2 variety.
| Variety | Proof 65 Value | Proof 70 Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) | $5.00 | $45.00 |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) | $35.00 | $500.00+ |
How Condition and Grading Affect Value
In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin with a grade of 1 is nearly flat, while a 70 is absolutely perfect under 5x magnification. For a 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar, grades below MS60 generally mean the coin is worth face value.
The Jump in value from MS65 to MS67 is often massive. This is because very few coins from the 1970s circulation strikes was handled with care. Most were tossed into large canvas bags. If you happen to find a roll of 1979 halves that has never been opened, you might have a “gem” hidden inside.
Before sending a coin to a grading service like PCGS or NGC, we recommend using CoinKnow. The app uses AI to analyze the luster and strike of your coin, giving you a rough estimate of the grade. This saves you money on grading fees by identifying which coins are truly special and which ones are just shiny spenders.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Rare 1979 Half Dollar Errors to Look For
Error coins are the “wildcards” of the hobby. Even a standard 1979 coin can become worth hundreds of dollars if something went wrong during the minting process. One common error for this era is the “Broadstruck” error, where the coin is struck without its retaining collar, resulting in a flatter, wider coin.
Another interesting error is the “Off-Center” strike. If the coin blank wasn’t perfectly aligned, the design might only appear on 50% or 70% of the coin. The more dramatic the off-center strike, the higher the value—sometimes reaching $100 or more even for a common year like 1979.
Lastly, watch for “Double Dies.” While 1979 isn’t famous for a massive double die like the 1955 penny, minor doubling on the letters or the date can still attract collector interest. Check the word “LIBERTY” or the date “1979” for any signs of ghosting or thickened lines.
FAQ
Q: Is there any silver in a 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar?
A: No. The US Mint stopped using 90% silver for half dollars in 1964 and removed the 40% silver content after 1970. All 1979 halves produced for circulation are made of a copper-nickel clad composition.
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Q: How can I tell if I have a Type 1 or Type 2 “S” mint mark?
A: Look closely at the “S” on the 1979-S Proof. If the loops of the S are filled with extra metal and look like a blob, it is Type 1. If the “S” has clear openings in both the top and bottom loops with bulbous ends, it is a Type 2 Clear S.
Q: What is the most expensive 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens in MS67+ or MS68 can sell for over $1,000. Specifically, a 1979-D in nearly perfect condition sold at auction for over $1,500 due to its extreme rarity in that specific grade.
Q: Where is the best place to sell my 1979 half dollar?
A: If it is a common circulated coin, you can spend it at a store or take it to a bank. If it is a rare variety or high-grade coin, selling through a reputable coin dealer or an online auction site like eBay is your best bet for getting the full collector value.