1973 Half Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1973 Half Dollar value ranges from $0.50 face value to $6,600. That record was set by a Grade 66 example sold through Heritage Auctions in August 2024. To see what yours might be worth, upload a photo of your coin below for a quick value range. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what these are actually going for today.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value By Variety

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar’s value varies by condition and mint mark, as shown in the following chart. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money (1964 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1973 Half Dollar Worth Money

Ultra-high grade specimens dominate the top of the value spectrum. A single MS66 Philadelphia example with exceptional toning realized $6,600 at Heritage Auctions in August 2024 — a price that surprises many collectors who assume this coin is worth pocket change.

The proof series tells its own compelling story. A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) sold for $4,888 back in 2006, setting a long-standing record. More recently, PR70 DCAM examples have traded in a wide range of $192 to $835 in 2023, with realistic current market values estimated between $800 and $1,600 based on October 2025 auction data.

The data clearly shows how conditional scarcity drives exponential value jumps at the top grades. Denver Mint (1973-D) examples show consistent premiums in gem grades, reflecting their reputation for above-average strike quality. The controversial 1973-D DDO FS-101 doubled die variety adds yet another layer of collector interest to this production year.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value: History and Background

By 1973, the Kennedy half dollar had completed a remarkable compositional journey. It began as a 90% silver coin in 1964, transitioned to 40% silver from 1965 to 1970, and finally became a fully base-metal copper-nickel clad coin starting in 1971.

That shift reflected major economic pressures of the early 1970s. Rising silver prices, the collapse of the Bretton Woods monetary system, and President Nixon’s monetary policies all pushed the U.S. — along with most of the world — away from precious-metal coinage.

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar was produced at three facilities. Philadelphia struck 64,964,000 pieces (no mint mark), Denver produced 83,171,400 pieces (D mint mark), and San Francisco minted 2,760,339 proof-only coins (S mint mark). Together, the three mints produced 150,895,739 coins.

Notably, PCGS notes that the 1973 Philadelphia issue has the lowest mintage of any circulation-strike Kennedy half dollar from 1965 to 1976 — a fact that surprises many collectors who assume more common Philadelphia mintages. Despite this, it remains a common coin in circulated grades because of widespread hoarding and low actual circulation.

The year 1973 was also historically significant for the Kennedy series. On March 5, 1973, Congress authorized a Bicentennial coin design competition. This would eventually produce the distinctive 1776–1976 dual-dated Kennedy half dollars featuring Independence Hall on the reverse — temporarily replacing the Presidential Seal design used since 1964.

Americans had by then grown accustomed to saving Kennedy half dollars rather than spending them. This habit of hoarding, which began with the silver coins in 1964, meant that many 1973 halves were tucked away rather than circulated — explaining why so many survive today in uncirculated grades.

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

 

Is Your 1973 Half Dollar Rare? Mintage & Survival Data

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

 

1973 Half Dollar Value: Mintage & Survival Statistics

The Philadelphia and Denver business strikes both show approximately 20% survival rates, despite their enormous combined production. This uniform attrition rate — driven by circulation wear, loss, and melting — makes it easier to predict how many examples exist in any given grade range today.

The proof varieties tell a very different story. Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens boast an impressive 81% survival rate, reflecting the care collectors took in preserving their finest San Francisco proof coins. The 2.76 million total proof mintage demonstrates just how robust collector demand was for Kennedy halves in the early 1970s.

For condition rarities, consider the numbers at the top of the grade scale. PCGS notes that MS66 Philadelphia examples are “much more difficult” to locate, while MS67 coins are genuinely hard to find and are best sought already certified rather than through raw searching. Anything above MS67 for the Philadelphia or Denver issues is considered rare by PCGS.

 

Key Features of the 1973 Half Dollar

The U.S. Mint moved quickly in creating the original Kennedy half dollar design, accepting sculptor Gilroy Roberts’ existing portrait for the obverse and commissioning Frank Gasparro to adapt the Presidential Seal for the reverse. Both designers’ initials appear on the coin — GR on the obverse and FG on the reverse.

The Obverse of the 1973 Half Dollar

The obverse features President Kennedy’s left-facing profile, surrounded by the inscription LIBERTY. Designer Gilroy Roberts arranged the composition so that Kennedy’s head partially covers the letters B•E•R in LIBERTY.

The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is separated by the neck truncation, and the date 1973 appears below. Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) coins carry their mint mark just above the date, on the obverse — a placement standardized in 1968. The mint mark location is an important identification point: look just below Kennedy’s neck, between the words GOD and WE.

The Reverse of the 1973 Half Dollar

The reverse displays the Presidential Seal: a bald eagle at center, framed by 50 stars representing all U.S. states. The eagle holds 13 arrows in one talon (representing the original colonies) and an olive branch in the other (symbolizing peace). Above the eagle’s head are the words E PLURIBUS UNUM and 13 additional stars. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination HALF DOLLAR complete the design.

Other Features of the 1973 Half Dollar

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar has a diameter of 30.61 mm (1.205 inches) and weighs 11.34 grams. Its reeded edge has 150 reeds, and the coin is 2.15 mm thick. The composition is a copper-nickel clad: outer layers of 75% copper / 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core, giving an overall composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The melt value is roughly $0.12–$0.13 — well below face value.

Tip for authentication: weigh the coin carefully. A standard 1973 half dollar should register 11.34 grams. A coin weighing 11.5 grams could be an extraordinarily rare transitional error struck on a leftover 40% silver planchet — worth thousands if authenticated by PCGS or NGC.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Half Dollar Value

Most 1973 half dollars aren’t rare. They were mass-produced and millions survive today. Standard circulated pieces typically sell for $1–$2, since collectors focus primarily on uncirculated rolls, certified gem coins, and special proof strikes rather than individual worn examples.

However, the 1973-S proof versions — struck exclusively for collector sets at San Francisco — command $5–$10 depending on cameo contrast quality. Mint state examples with full strike definition and clean surfaces can reach $15–$25 when professionally certified, and certified MS66+ examples can bring significantly more.

Die errors and planchet errors transform ordinary coins into valuable anomalies. Doubled dies, off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and wrong-planchet errors all generate serious collector interest. Not sure whether your piece qualifies? Coin Value Checker APP identifies varieties and calculates precise values within seconds.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar was produced in five distinct collectible varieties:

• 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

Together, the three mints produced 150,895,739 coins. The majority came from Denver, while Philadelphia’s output was actually the lower of the two business-strike mints that year. San Francisco’s proof-only production of 2.76 million pieces was exclusively sold in annual collector proof sets.

 

1973 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value (Philadelphia)

The 1973 Philadelphia half dollar is identified by the absence of a mint mark on the obverse. Philadelphia coins have carried no mint mark for most of U.S. history — a longstanding tradition that makes identification straightforward once you know where to look (just below Kennedy’s neck, above the date).

PCGS characterizes this coin as relatively easy to find through MS65, but notes that MS66 examples “become much more difficult” and MS67 is genuinely hard to locate. Anything above MS67 is classified as rare.

In circulated grades, expect $1–$2. In gem uncirculated (MS65), values run $5–$12. The MS67 grade averages around $400. Most dramatically, a single “monster-toned” MS66 example sold for $6,600 at Heritage Auctions in August 2024 — a price that reflects the premium toned coins can achieve in a niche collector market, well above typical MS66 values.

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 (Denver)

The Denver mint produced 83,171,400 half dollars in 1973 — the larger of the two business-strike totals that year. The D mint mark appears on the obverse, just above the date. Denver examples have a solid reputation among collectors for above-average strike quality in this era.

In circulated grades, 1973-D halves are worth $1–$2, similar to Philadelphia issues. Uncirculated examples in MS65 bring $8–$15. At MS67, the value climbs to approximately $250 on average. Notably, a record MS62 specimen sold for $1,704 at auction in 2013 — an unusually high price for that grade, reflecting either special eye appeal or error characteristics.

The historical significance of this coin is notable: on March 5, 1973, Congress authorized the Bicentennial coin design competition, making this one of the last regular-issue Kennedy half dollars before the 1776–1976 Bicentennial series took over 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

The San Francisco Mint produced 2,760,339 proof Kennedy half dollars in 1973, all sold exclusively in annual collector proof sets. These were never released for general circulation.

Proof coins (abbreviated PR) are made using specially polished dies and planchets, struck multiple times at slower speeds to produce sharp, mirror-like surfaces. The “regular” proof designation means the coin has reflective fields but lacks the dramatic frosted contrast of cameo or deep cameo varieties.

Standard proof specimens in PR65 typically sell for $5–$10. PR69 examples fetch $20–$30, making them very accessible entry points for collectors. Values remain modest across most grades because of the relatively high mintage compared to other proof series.

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

CAM stands for Cameo — a grading designation awarded when a proof coin shows moderate contrast between frosted (white, satiny) raised design elements and the mirror-bright fields. It represents a visible upgrade in visual appeal over standard proofs, occupying the middle tier between regular proof and Deep Cameo.

PCGS and NGC apply strict standards for the CAM designation. A coin must display consistent, visible contrast on both sides to qualify. This selectivity makes CAM examples more scarce than regular proofs, though not as rare as DCAM coins.

Values reflect this intermediate status. PR65 CAM examples command $10–$20. PR69 CAM specimens can reach $35 or more. The top auction record for this variety stands at $165 for a PR67 CAM sold in 2018.

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

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — the highest surface-quality designation a proof coin can receive. It requires sharp, dramatic contrast: intensely frosted, snow-white devices against deeply mirrored fields that look like a polished black mirror. Only proof coins produced from fresh or carefully maintained dies achieve this striking visual effect.

PCGS notes that the 1973-S Kennedy half is “very common in most grades even in PR69 Deep Cameo.” The only truly scarce grade in this variety is the perfect PR70 DCAM — with only 117 examples graded by PCGS to date.

The auction market for PR70 DCAM has been volatile. The all-time record stands at $4,888 (2006). More recently, examples sold in a wide range of $192–$835 in 2023. Based on October 2025 auction data, realistic current market values for PR70 DCAM run between $800 and $1,600. PR69 DCAM examples are far more accessible, typically ranging from $25–$50 in most sales.

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

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar has several documented and suspected error varieties. Errors occur at different stages of production — from the planchet (blank metal disk), the die, or the striking process — and each type carries its own collector premium.

1. 1973-D DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse)

The 1973-D DDO FS-101 is a Doubled Die Obverse variety — a type of die error where the working die received misaligned hub impressions during production, creating a secondary “shadow” impression on the design. The abbreviation DDO means the doubling appears on the obverse (front) of the coin.

This variety is listed in the PCGS registry and is one of the most actively hunted varieties in the entire 1973 Kennedy half dollar series. Strong, naked-eye visible doubling appears on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1973. Always examine the right side of the coin first — that’s where doubling is typically most prominent.

Values range from approximately $25 in circulated grades to $1,700+ in high mint state (MS65 or above). One certified example sold for $1,704 at Heritage Auctions. Be cautious: machine doubling (a common post-strike phenomenon) looks similar but is worth little to nothing. Always seek third-party authentication from PCGS or NGC before paying a premium.

 

2. 1973 Wrong Planchet Error (Transitional Error)

Among the rarest possible 1973 Kennedy half dollar errors is a coin struck on a leftover 40% silver planchet from the 1965–1970 era. These transitional errors occur when old-composition planchets were not fully cleared from the mint’s supply before the composition change took effect.

Standard 1973 clad half dollars weigh 11.34 grams. A silver transitional error would weigh approximately 11.5 grams (for a 40% silver planchet). If your coin weighs noticeably more than expected, it should be authenticated immediately by PCGS or NGC — these errors are worth thousands of dollars when confirmed.

 

3. 1973-S Proof Struck on Quarter Planchet

A verified wrong-planchet error for the 1973-S proof series involves coins struck on a smaller clad quarter planchet (5.6 grams, 24.3 mm) instead of the proper half dollar planchet (11.34 grams, 30.61 mm). Because the planchet is significantly smaller than the die, design elements appear incomplete and “run off” the edge.

A PR68 Cameo example of this error sold for $3,375. This price reflects the extreme rarity of wrong-planchet errors in proof coinage, where the highly controlled minting process makes such escapes extraordinarily unusual.

 

4. 1973-D Double Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet error occurs when the blanking press punches a planchet from a strip that overlaps a previously punched hole, creating a curved “bite” of missing metal. A double clip means the blank was punched incorrectly twice before striking, producing two distinct curved gaps in the coin’s edge.

A 1973-D double clipped planchet in MS62 sold for $552.50, demonstrating strong collector demand for visually dramatic planchet errors even in modest grades.

 

5. 1973-S Proof Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes are extremely rare in proof coinage because the San Francisco Mint used highly controlled striking equipment for its proof sets. However, verified examples do exist. A 1973-S PR66 Deep Cameo struck 10% off-center sold for $1,920 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in Summer 2025 — a premium that reflects both the rarity of the error and the desirability of the DCAM surface quality.

 

Where to Sell Your 1973 Half Dollar?

Now that you’ve determined your coin’s worth, you may be wondering about the best online platforms to sell it. We have 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 Half Dollar Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1973 Half Dollar Value

1. Are 1973 Kennedy half dollars rare or valuable?

Most 1973 Kennedy half dollars are not rare. The three mints combined to produce over 150 million coins, and millions survive today. However, specific grades and varieties are genuinely scarce — MS67 business strikes, PR70 DCAM proofs, and authenticated error coins can all be worth significant sums.

2. What is a 1973 half dollar worth in circulated condition?

A circulated 1973 Kennedy half dollar in average condition is worth roughly $1–$2. Heavy wear pushes the value closer to face value ($0.50). The coin contains no silver, so its value comes purely from collector and numismatic demand, not precious metal content.

3. What 1973 Kennedy half dollars have sold for the most money?

• 1973 MS66 (monster toned) — $6,600 at Heritage Auctions, August 2024
• 1973-S PR70 DCAM — $4,888 in 2006
• 1973-S PR65 — $4,370 in 2003
• 1973-D MS62 — $1,704 at Heritage Auctions, 2013
• 1973-S PR66 DCAM off-center strike — $1,920 at Stack’s Bowers, Summer 2025
• 1973-S PR68 CAM wrong planchet (quarter planchet) — $3,375
• 1973-S PR67 CAM — $165 in 2018

4. Does the 1973 half dollar contain silver?

No. The 1973 Kennedy half dollar is copper-nickel clad with zero silver content. The outer layers are 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core. Only 1964 issues (90% silver) and 1965–1970 issues (40% silver) contained silver. If you are testing an edge and see the copper stripe, the coin is clad — not silver.

5. What is the rarest variety of the 1973 half dollar?

The rarest regularly certified variety is the PR70 DCAM proof, with only 117 examples graded by PCGS. Among errors, the most valuable is the wrong-planchet error (a coin struck on a quarter or silver planchet), which can bring over $3,000 when authenticated. Transitional errors on leftover 40% silver planchets are considered even rarer.

6. How can I tell if my 1973 half dollar has a doubled die error?

The 1973-D DDO FS-101 shows strong doubling visible to the naked eye — look for a clear secondary “shadow” on the letters of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1973. The right side of the coin typically shows the most prominent doubling. Use a 5x or 10x loupe to confirm. Be careful not to confuse machine doubling (flat, shelf-like) with a true doubled die (raised, equal-height impressions).

7. What is the difference between CAM and DCAM proof coins?

CAM stands for Cameo — a proof coin with moderate contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — the highest tier, requiring dramatic, crisp frost on all devices against deeply mirrored fields. DCAM coins command the highest premiums. PCGS and NGC assign these designations during grading. For the 1973-S series, PR70 DCAM is the most valuable certified coin in the set.

8. How do I know if my 1973 half dollar was struck on a silver planchet?

Weigh the coin carefully on a precise scale. A standard 1973 clad half dollar weighs 11.34 grams. A transitional error on a leftover 40% silver planchet would weigh approximately 11.5 grams. If your coin is heavier than expected and shows no signs of damage, submit it to PCGS or NGC for authentication immediately — these are worth thousands of dollars when verified.

9. What are the most valuable Kennedy half dollars ever sold at auction?

• 1964 SP68 SMS — $156,000
• 1964 PR69 DCAM Accented Hair — $45,600
• 1967 SP69 SMS DCAM — $31,200 at Heritage Auctions, 2019
• 1964-D MS68 — $22,325
• 1968-S PR70 DCAM — $21,600

10. Should I get my 1973 half dollar professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worth the cost if your coin meets one or more of these criteria: it appears to be in MS65 or higher with strong luster and minimal marks; you believe it has a doubled die, wrong-planchet, or other significant error; it shows exceptional toning with no damage; or you plan to sell it at auction and want to maximize buyer confidence and price. For circulated examples or common MS63–MS64 coins, grading fees will likely exceed the value gained.