1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar Value: Price Guide

The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $3,500 for perfect museum-grade specimens. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a clear transition in how the San Francisco Mint identified its coins during a transitional year.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR-65 DCAM (Standard Proof)	$10 – $15
PR-69 DCAM (Near Perfect)	$35 – $50
PR-70 DCAM (Flawless)	$3,000 – $4,200

Understanding the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar Rare Varieties

If you’ve found a shiny 1979 Kennedy half dollar with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding something more than just fifty cents. During this year, the San Francisco Mint used two different punches for the “S” mark. If you are unsure which one you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the tiny details that separate a common coin from a rare treasure.

The “Type 1” (Filled S) was the initial design, where the “S” looks somewhat blob-like and indistinct. However, midway through the year, the mint replaced the worn-out punch with the “Type 2” (Clear S). The Type 2 is much sharper, with defined bulbous ends and clear fields inside the loops of the letter. Because the Type 2 was introduced later, it has a lower mintage and is significantly more desirable for collectors using the CoinKnow app to track their portfolio. You can verify the most recent 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar auction prices to see how much these sharp strikes are currently fetching on the open market.

The Visual Difference: Type 1 vs Type 2 Mint Marks

Distinguishing between the two types is the most critical step in determining the value. On the Type 1 variety, the “S” mint mark is often described as “blobby.” The internal loops are filled with metal, making it look like a solid shape rather than a letter. This happened because the punch used to create the dies was old and degraded.

The Type 2 “Clear S,” on the other hand, was created from a brand-new mint mark punch. It features a very distinct “S” with flat, parallel ends and deep, clear relief. When you compare them side-by-side, the difference is night and day. Most casual hunters use CoinKnow to get a high-resolution reference image to confirm they have the rarer Type 2. Even a slight difference in clarity can mean the difference between a coin worth a few dollars and one worth hundreds.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled S)	Type 2 (Clear S)
Appearance	Indistinct, blurred edges	Sharp, clear, defined loops
Rarity	Common	Scarce / Desirable
Price Premium	Low	High

Why Condition and “Deep Cameo” Status Matter

All 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollars were minted as “Proofs,” meaning they were struck specifically for collectors and not for general circulation. Because they were handled with care at the mint, most are in excellent condition. However, to reach the top-tier values, a coin must be designated as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). This refers to the intense contrast between the frosted portrait of JFK and the mirror-like background fields.

A 1979-S Type 2 in PR-69 DCAM condition is relatively affordable, but the jump to PR-70 (a perfect grade) is massive. Collectors are willing to pay thousands for a “perfect” coin because there are so few of them left that haven’t developed tiny milk spots or hairline scratches over the last 40 years. To understand the current market trends, checking a detailed 1979 Kennedy half dollar value guide is essential for seeing how price fluctuations impact your specific grade.

Mintage Figures and Historical Context

In 1979, the San Francisco Mint struck over 3.6 million proof sets. While this seems like a large number, you have to remember that this total is split between the Type 1 and Type 2 varieties. The Type 2 was only introduced in the latter part of the year, making it the “key” variety for that date. This transition was part of a larger effort by the U.S. Mint to improve the quality of mint marks across all denominations, including pennies and quarters.

Because these were originally sold in plastic proof sets, many remain in great shape. However, many sets have been broken open by collectors over the years to be graded individually. If you find one in a “junk bin” at a coin shop, it’s likely a Type 1 that someone discarded. Finding a Type 2 in the wild is a rare occurrence, which is why the CoinKnow app’s scanning feature is so popularly used by hobbyists at local coin shows.

Year / Mint	Total Proof Mintage	Composition
1979-S Kennedy	3,677,175	75% Copper, 25% Nickel

How to Sell Your 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar

If you believe you have a genuine Type 2 variety in perfect condition, your first step should be professional grading by a service like PCGS or NGC. A raw, uncertified coin will never command the high four-figure prices seen in heritage auctions. Most buyers are skeptical of “PR-70” claims unless they are backed by a reputable third-party slab.

For coins that are in nice but not perfect condition (PR-65 to PR-68), selling on platforms like eBay or at a local coin shop is often the best route. Make sure to take high-quality, macro photos of the “S” mint mark to prove it is the Type 2 Clear S variety. Providing clear evidence of the variety will help you secure a faster sale at a fair price.

FAQ

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

A: No, the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver for business strike half dollars in 1971, and 1979 proofs were not part of any special silver sets. Its value comes from its rarity and condition, not its metal content.

Q: How can I tell if my 1979 half dollar is a proof?

A: Proof coins are easily identified by their “S” mint mark (for San Francisco) and their mirror-like, shiny surfaces. Unlike regular coins found in change, proofs have a high-contrast finish and are produced with much higher striking pressure to bring out every detail.

Q: Why is the Type 2 more valuable than the Type 1?

A: It’s all about supply and demand. The Type 2 “Clear S” was produced in smaller quantities because it was introduced later in the production cycle. Additionally, the sharper strike of the Type 2 is more aesthetically pleasing to collectors who want the best-looking specimens for their albums.

Q: Are all 1979-S coins valuable?

A: Not necessarily. Most 1979-S Type 1 coins are worth only $3-$5. To be truly valuable, the coin needs to be a Type 2 and it generally needs to be in a high grade (PR-69 or PR-70) with Deep Cameo surfaces.