1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The first Kennedy half dollars appeared in 1964, a few months after President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963. Their production has continued to this day, making them one of the higher-denomination coins commonly found in American circulation.

The 1973 half-dollar value is relatively low since these modern coins were minted in high quantities, but it still far exceeds their face value. The 1973 half dollar shows basic face value pricing for worn examples, with mint state coins reaching $13-20 depending on the mint. San Francisco proof varieties carry small premiums between $4.25-$7.22, with the Deep Cameo version commanding the highest price.

Notably, the 1973 version contains a copper-nickel clad composition with no silver content. This contrasts with the original 1964 issues that contained 90% silver, and the 1965-1970 versions that contained 40% silver. Starting in 1971, Kennedy half dollars completely eliminated silver content in favor of a copper-nickel clad composition, significantly reducing the coins’ precious metal value compared to earlier issues.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value By Variety

History of the 1973 Half Dollar

By 1973, the coin had fully transitioned from its original 90% silver composition (1964) through the 40% silver-clad period (1965-1970) to the modern copper-nickel clad format that began in 1971.

This transition reflected broader economic pressures of the early 1970s, including rising silver prices and the Nixon administration’s monetary policies. The removal of silver from circulating coinage was part of a worldwide trend away from precious metal currencies, driven by inflation and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system.

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar was produced at three facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Despite these substantial mintages, the coins saw limited circulation, as Americans had already grown accustomed to hoarding Kennedy halves as keepsakes.

The year 1973 also marked important preparations for the upcoming Bicentennial celebration, with the U.S. Mint beginning discussions about special commemorative designs. This planning would eventually lead to the distinctive 1776-1976 dual-dated Bicentennial half dollars featuring Independence Hall on the reverse, temporarily replacing the presidential seal design that had been used since 1964.

Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)

 

Is your 1973 Half Dollar Rare?

You can easily check the current rarity status of any Kennedy half dollar using our CoinValueChecker APP.

 

Key Features of the 1973 Half Dollar

The US Mint only had a little time to spend on designing Kennedy half-dollar. Therefore, officials accepted the already existing Gilroy Roberts obverse, while Frank Gasparro modified the Presidential Seal for reverse.

The Obverse of the 1973 Half Dollar

The 1973 half-dollar obverse contains beautifully designed John F. Kennedy’s profile facing left. It is surrounded by LIBERTY, the word that best describes the essence of the United States.

Interestingly, designer Gilroy Roberts decided to arrange the composition the way the President’s head half-covers the letters B•E•R. On the other hand, the neck truncation separates IN GOD – WE TRUST, while the minting year, 1973, is placed below.

You can also see the initials GR incorporated into the neck cut-off. Coins produced in San Francisco and Denver have the mint mark above the year, completing the composition.

The Reverse of the 1973 Half Dollar

The reverse of the 1973 half-dollar includes the Presidential Seal with a bald eagle in the center and framed with 50 stars. E Pluribus Unum, an additional 13 stars, and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are above its head. Below the seal is the denomination HALF DOLLAR. You can also see 13 arrows and a branch of olive in the bird’s talons, symbolizing American policy. The designer’s small initials are between its tail and leg.

Other Features of the 1973 Half Dollar

The 1973 Kennedy half-dollar is a fifty-cent coin with a diameter of 1.205 inches (30.6 mm) and 150 reeds. This 0.085 inches (2.15 mm) thick piece is made of a high percentage (91.67%) of copper and some nickel. Its weight is 0.4 ounces (11.34 g).

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916 -1947)

The business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver demonstrate remarkably consistent 20% survival rates despite their massive production numbers, indicating predictable attrition through circulation and melting. This uniform survival percentage suggests systematic factors—likely economic conditions and collector behavior—affected both mint outputs equally.

The proof varieties present a compelling contrast, with the Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens showing an exceptional 81% survival rate compared to unknown rates for regular proof and CAM varieties. This dramatic difference reflects the specialized collector market’s preservation priorities, where the highest-quality finishes receive premium care and storage. The substantial proof mintage of 2.76 million pieces underscores the robust collector interest in Kennedy halves during the early 1970s.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Half Dollar Value

Most 1973 half dollars aren’t rare—they were mass-produced for circulation and remain plentiful today. Standard circulated pieces typically sell for face value to $1, as collectors focus primarily on uncirculated rolls and special strikes rather than individual worn coins.

However, the 1973-S proof version, struck exclusively for collector sets at San Francisco, commands $3-$8 depending on cameo contrast quality. Mint state examples with full strike definition and unblemished surfaces can reach $15-$25 when professionally certified.

Die errors transform ordinary coins into valuable anomalies—doubled dies, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets generate significant collector interest. Unsure whether your piece has premium characteristics? CoinValueChecker APP identifies varieties and calculates precise values within seconds.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value Guides

1973 Half Dollar Types:

• 1973 No Mint Mark Half Dollar (Philadelphia)
• 1973-D Half Dollar (Denver)
• 1973-S Proof Half Dollar
• 1973-S CAM Half Dollar
• 1973-S DCAM Half Dollar

The 1973 Kennedy half-dollar mintage was pretty high since three mints produced 150,895,739 of these coins. Most halves came from Denver, while the proof coin production in San Francisco was significantly lower than in the other two.

 

1973 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value

The 1973 No Mint Mark Kennedy Half Dollar represents a pivotal transition point in American coinage history, marking the third year of the complete elimination of silver content from the half dollar series. Unlike earlier years, the mint mark location had been standardized since 1968 to appear on the obverse below Kennedy’s profile and above the date, making the absence of any marking immediately identifiable as a Philadelphia issue.

From a numismatic perspective, while circulated examples typically trade near face value, high-grade specimens in MS 67 condition average $400, with one exceptional MS66 piece selling for $6,600 in 2024, demonstrating that this “common” coin can achieve significant premiums in pristine condition, particularly when compared to its Denver and San Francisco counterparts from the same year.

The auction records reveal the significant value potential hidden within this common Philadelphia Mint coin.

Market activity shows growing collector interest with a clear upward trend through 2025.

 

1973-D Half Dollar Value

Despite the 1973 Kennedy half dollars’ massive production, high-grade specimens command significant premiums, with MS 67 examples averaging $250 and a record MS 62 specimen selling for $1,704 in 2013, demonstrating the coin’s potential value in exceptional preservation states.

The coin’s numismatic significance is further amplified by the historical context of 1973, when Congress authorized the Bicentennial coin design competition on March 5th, making this one of the last regular-issue Kennedy half dollars before the special dual-dated 1776-1976 series dominated production, while known error varieties including rim burrs and doubled die specimens add another layer of collectible interest to this already significant Denver Mint production.

Auction records show wide price variations for premium examples of this Denver Mint issue.

Market activity has intensified significantly throughout 2025, reaching peak levels by September.

 

1973-S Proof Half Dollar Value

Production began in February 1973 and continued throughout the year, with the San Francisco Mint taking exceptional care in the proof coin manufacturing process, though these regular proof examples lack the enhanced contrast characteristics that define the more premium cameo varieties.

These coins feature the standard proof finish with mirror-like surfaces and modest contrast between the fields and devices, created through specialized striking processes that produce a distinctive frosted image of Kennedy on the obverse against reflective backgrounds.

Standard proof specimens in PR-65 condition typically command $5-$10, while PR-69 examples can fetch $20-$30, making them accessible entry points for collectors seeking proof Kennedy half dollars from this significant production year.

Historical auction data reflects the accessible nature of regular proof specimens across different grades and platforms.

Market activity shows steady collector engagement with moderate fluctuations recently.

 

1973-S CAM Half Dollar Value

The 1973-S CAM Kennedy Half Dollar occupies the intermediate position in the proof spectrum, showcasing moderate contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that fall between regular proof and deep cameo varieties in the contrast spectrum.

These coins require specific contrast standards as evaluated by grading services, making them more selective than regular proofs but more available than deep cameo examples, creating a distinct collecting category for enthusiasts seeking enhanced visual appeal without the premium costs of DCAM specimens. Market values reflect this intermediate status, with PR-65 examples commanding $10-$20 and PR-69 specimens reaching up to $35 or more, demonstrating the collector premium for improved contrast characteristics.

Past sales demonstrate the intermediate premium position these cameo examples occupy in the marketplace.

Collector activity has maintained consistent momentum with gradual increases toward year-end.

 

1973-S DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1973-S DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar represents the pinnacle of proof coin aesthetics. The DCAM designation requires perfect die conditions, optimal striking pressure, and precise timing during the minting process, with most examples produced in 1973 achieving deep cameo contrast due to improved die preparation techniques compared to late 1960s proof issues.

While the overwhelming majority of 1973-S Kennedy half dollars certified by PCGS have graded PR69DCAM, PR70DCAM coins are many degrees rarer, with only 105 examples certified at this level to date. The early dates with deep cameo surfaces are particularly scarce and desirable among advanced collectors, with PR-69 grade DCAM specimens commanding $100 to $1,200 or more, while recent sale prices for perfect PR70DCAM examples have varied dramatically, from $200 to over $2,000 depending on market conditions and auction circumstances.

Auction results showcase the dramatic value range from standard PR69 examples to exceptional perfect specimens.

Market momentum has surged significantly, with trend doubling in recent months.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1973 Half Dollar Error List

Among the most elusive and unverified varieties in Kennedy half dollar collecting is the purported 1973-D DDO FS-101, which lacks official documentation in major numismatic references despite marketplace speculation.

1973-D DDO FS-101 Error

If the 1973-D DDO FS-101 exists as a verifiable variety, it would follow the typical patterns of doubled die obverse errors found throughout the Kennedy half dollar series. This type of error occurs during the die-making process when a working die slips or pivots during the hubbing process, creating a slight secondary impression known as a doubled die.

Based on characteristics of other confirmed doubled die varieties in the series, the 1973-D DDO FS-101 would most prominently display doubling on the word “TRUST,” especially on the letters U, S, and T, with secondary doubling potentially visible on “IN GOD WE,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “1973.” The doubling would likely be more prominent on the right side of the coin and require magnification to clearly identify the subtle shadow effects.

However, it’s crucial to note that without authoritative catalog information and population data, collectors encountering alleged 1973-D DDO FS-101 specimens should exercise caution in verification, preferably through professional coin grading services to confirm whether it represents a genuine doubled die variety rather than common machine doubling or other non-error phenomena.

 

Where to Sell Your 1973 Half Dollar?

Now that you’ve determined your coins’ worth, are you wondering about the best online platforms to sell them? I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to these websites, complete with detailed descriptions, advantages, and drawbacks.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1973 Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about 1973 Half Dollar

1. Are the 1973 Kennedy half-dollars ever rare and valuable?

No, the 1973 Kennedy half-dollars are not particularly rare coins, despite their moderate mintage. In fact, there is a decent chance to come across them in circulation. Only a few perfectly preserved pieces and some errors can cost more than average.

2. What 1973 Kennedy half-dollars are on a list of expensive coins?

• The 1973 S PR 70 half-dollar with DCAM quality sold at a record price of $4,888 in 2006
• The 1973 S PR 65 half-dollar sold at a record price of $4,370 in 2003
• The 1973 D MS 62 half-dollar sold at a record price of $1,704 in 2013
• The 1973 MS 67 half-dollar sold at a record price of $1,400 in 2022
• The 1973 D AU 55 half-dollar with DOO error sold at a record price of $167 in 2020
• The 1973 S PR 67 half-dollar with CAM quality sold at a record price of $165 in 2018
• The 1973 S PR 69 half-dollar with Miles signature and DCAM quality sold at a record price of $43 in 2020

3. How much money can you get for the 1973 No Mint mark Kennedy half-dollar?

The 1973 Kennedy half-dollars are considered modern coins, so you can expect them to be affordable. It is enough to prepare $0.70 to $38 for one, depending on its appearance. Only the best-preserved specimens in MS 67 grade come with higher prices of at least $225.

4. What Kennedy half-dollars are the best-paid ever?

• 1964 SP 68 half-dollar from the SMS – $156,000
• 1964 PR 69 half-dollar with DCAM quality and accented hair error – $45,600
• 1967 SP 69 half-dollar from the SMS with DCAM quality – $31,200
• 1964 D MS 68 half-dollar – $22,325
• 1968 S PR 70 half-dollar with DCAM quality – $21,600