1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar Value: Price Guide for You

The 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most found in old collections are common, certain “Deep Cameo” designations and high grades can fetch surprising premiums from serious collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$150.00 – $300.00
Rare Error Varieties	$50.00+

Identifying Your 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar

If you’ve recently inherited an old coin collection or found a shiny half dollar in a drawer, you might be looking at a 1979-S Proof. All 1979 half dollars with an “S” mint mark were produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. Unlike the coins you find in your pocket change, these were struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like finish.

To confirm what you have, you can use a top coin identifier app to instantly recognize the mint mark and variety. The “Type 1” refers to the specific shape of the “S” mint mark. In 1979, the mint transitioned between two different stamps. The Type 1 is known as the “Filled S,” where the mint mark looks somewhat “blobby” or indistinct compared to the later Type 2 “Clear S.”

Because these coins were never intended for circulation, their value depends heavily on their preservation. If you aren’t sure which version you have, CoinKnow is a fantastic tool that helps enthusiasts distinguish between subtle mint mark variations using high-resolution image recognition.

The Difference Between 1979-S Type 1 and Type 2

Understanding the distinction between the two types is crucial for determining the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar value. The Type 1 “Filled S” was the first style used in 1979. Over time, the minting punch became worn, leading to a mint mark that lacks internal detail. The “S” looks almost like a solid rectangle or a very thick letter with small holes.

In contrast, the Type 2 “Clear S” was introduced later in the year. This version has much more defined loops and a clear path through the center of the letter. Generally, the Type 2 is considered slightly more desirable by collectors because of its rarity compared to the Type 1, but a high-grade Type 1 in “Deep Cameo” still holds significant interest.

Collectors often look for the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar auction records to see how much “Perfect 70” graded coins are selling for. While the Type 2 usually commands a premium, a Type 1 with exceptional contrast can still be a centerpiece of a collection.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled S)	Type 2 (Clear S)
Mint Mark Appearance	Blob-like, indistinct centers	Crisp, well-defined “S” shape
Rarity	Common in Proof Sets	Scarcer than Type 1
Premium Value	Standard market price	20-50% higher than Type 1

Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Effect

The most valuable 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollars are those designated as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). This term describes the visual contrast of the coin. On a Deep Cameo coin, the portrait of John F. Kennedy looks frosted and white, while the surrounding background (the “field”) is highly reflective like a dark mirror.

When examining your coin, look at it under a bright light. If the frost on the face is thick and the background is glassy without any scratches, you might have a high-grade specimen. Most 1979-S coins found in original government packaging are around PR 67 or PR 68. Moving up to PR 69 or the elusive PR 70 drastically increases the price.

For those trying to estimate their coin’s worth at home, a comprehensive 1979 half dollar valuation guide can provide the latest pricing tiers based on professional grading standards. Many users find that CoinKnow helps them decide whether it is worth paying the $20-$40 fee to have a coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.

Market Pricing for 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollars

The market for modern proof coins is generally stable, but prices for the 1979-S Type 1 can spike if the coin is “perfect.” Because millions of these were produced (nearly 3.7 million Proof sets), only the “best of the best” carry a high price tag. For most casual collectors, your coin is likely worth its silver-less face value or a small collector premium.

It is important to remember that by 1979, Kennedy Half Dollars were no longer made of silver. They are composed of a copper-nickel clad. Therefore, they do not have any “melt value.” Their value is strictly based on their condition and their status as a collector’s item.

Grade (PCGS/NGC)	Type 1 Value (DCAM)
PR 67	$8 – $12
PR 68	$14 – $18
PR 69	$25 – $40
PR 70	$150 – $450

Are There Any 1979 Half Dollar Errors?

While the Type 1 and Type 2 mint mark varieties are the most famous “errors” or variants, other mistakes can occur during the minting process. Some 1979 Kennedy halves have been found with “double dies,” where the lettering or the dates show a slight ghosting or doubling effect.

Another rare find is a coin struck on the wrong metal planchet, though these are extremely rare for the 1979-S proof series. If you notice anything unusual, such as off-center strikes or missing letters, your coin could be worth significantly more than the standard proof values listed above.

Using an app like CoinKnow allows you to zoom in on these details to see if what you have is a genuine error or just post-mint damage. Many beginners mistake scratches or “bag marks” for errors, so it pays to have a digital tool or a magnifying glass handy to verify your findings.

How to Care for Your Proof Coins

If you believe you have a high-value 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar, how you handle it is everything. Proof coins are extremely delicate. The mirror-like surfaces show even the smallest fingerprints or hairline scratches. Oils from your skin can permanently etch into the metal over time, ruining the “Deep Cameo” finish and tanking the value.

Always handle your coins by the edges, or better yet, wear lint-free cotton gloves. If your coin is currently in an original plastic Proof Set lens from the Mint, it is usually best to leave it there. Breaking it out of the plastic (cracking the set) can expose it to air and moisture, leading to toning or spotting.

Store your collection in a cool, dry place. Humidity is the enemy of copper-nickel coins, often leading to ugly brown or green spots. By keeping your 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar protected, you ensure that its value remains intact for the next generation of collectors.

Storage Method	Protection Level
Original Proof Lens	High
Cardboard 2×2 Flip	Medium
Plastic Coin Capsule	Very High
Loose in a jar	Very Low (Avoid!)

FAQ

Q: Does the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar contain silver?

A: No, the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar is a clad coin made of a copper core with a nickel-copper outer layer. The last Kennedy halves intended for general use that contained silver were minted in 1970 (40% silver).

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-S is a Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark above the date. If the “S” looks filled in and the loops are hard to see, it is a Type 1. If the “S” is clear with distinct bulbous ends and a clear field inside the loops, it is a Type 2.

Q: Why is my 1979 half dollar shiny but has no “S” mint mark?

A: If your 1979 half dollar has no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia. If it has a “D,” it was minted in Denver. These are business-strike coins meant for circulation and are generally only worth their face value ($0.50) unless they are in exceptional uncirculated condition.

Q: Is it worth getting a 1979-S Type 1 professionally graded?

A: It is only worth grading if the coin appears to be in “Perfect” PR 70 condition. Because the grading fee is often higher than the value of a PR 68 or PR 69 coin, most collectors only submit coins that they believe will achieve the highest possible score.