1973 Half Dollar Coin Value: 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

Use the chart below to get a quick read on what your 1973 Kennedy half is worth by condition and mint mark. For exact pricing by grade, scroll down to 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

The coin sitting at #1 is a Philadelphia MS66 with wild, eye-popping toning. It hammered for $6,600 at Heritage Auctions in August 2024. Most people would walk right past a 1973 half dollar in a junk bin, so that price turns heads.

On the proof side, a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo brought $4,888 back in 2006. That record stood for years. More recently, PR70 DCAM examples have bounced around from $192 to $835 in 2023, with realistic current market values estimated between $800 and $1,600 based on October 2025 auction data. The 1973-D DDO FS-101 doubled die variety adds another layer of interest for cherrypickers hunting through this year.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value: History and Background

By 1973, the Kennedy half dollar had already gone through two major metal changes. It started as 90% silver in 1964, dropped to 40% silver from 1965 to 1970, then went full copper-nickel clad beginning in 1971. No precious metal left.

Rising silver prices and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system forced the move. Nixon’s monetary policies sealed the deal. The U.S. — along with most of the world — was done putting real silver in pocket change.

Three mints struck 1973 halves. Philadelphia made 64,964,000 pieces (no mint mark), Denver produced 83,171,400 (D mint mark), and San Francisco minted 2,760,339 proof-only coins (S mint mark). Total across all three: 150,895,739 coins.

Here’s a detail that surprises people: PCGS notes that the 1973 Philadelphia issue has the lowest mintage of any circulation-strike Kennedy half dollar from 1965 to 1976. Despite that, it’s still common in circulated grades because so many were hoarded and never spent.

On March 5, 1973, Congress authorized the Bicentennial coin design competition. That decision would eventually replace the Presidential Seal reverse with the Independence Hall design on the 1776–1976 dual-dated halves. So 1973 was one of the last “normal” years for the Kennedy series before everything changed.

Americans had been squirreling away Kennedy halves since 1964. That hoarding habit carried right through the clad years, which is why you can still find rolls of uncirculated 1973 halves today without much trouble.

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

Both Philadelphia and Denver business strikes show roughly 20% survival rates despite their massive combined output. That means about 4 out of every 5 coins struck got worn down, lost, or tossed. Predictable attrition, but it puts the surviving population in perspective.

Deep Cameo proofs are a completely different story. They show an 81% survival rate. Collectors babied those San Francisco proof sets, and it shows. The 2.76 million total proof mintage tells you how strong demand was for Kennedy halves in the early 1970s — that’s a lot of proof sets sold.

Where things get interesting is at the top of the grading scale. PCGS says MS66 Philadelphia coins are “much more difficult” to find, and MS67 examples are genuinely tough. You’re better off buying one already slabbed than trying to cherrypick a raw MS67 from rolls. Anything above MS67 for either business-strike mint is flat-out rare.

 

Key Features of the 1973 Half Dollar

Gilroy Roberts designed the obverse portrait, and Frank Gasparro adapted the Presidential Seal for the reverse. Both left their marks — look for GR on the obverse and FG on the reverse.

The Obverse of the 1973 Half Dollar

Kennedy’s left-facing profile dominates the obverse, with LIBERTY arcing above. His head actually overlaps the letters B•E•R in LIBERTY — a nice design touch worth noticing.

IN GOD WE TRUST splits around the neck truncation, and the date 1973 sits below. For the mint mark, look just above the date, between GOD and WE. Denver coins show a D there, San Francisco coins show an S. Philadelphia coins? Nothing. That blank space is your ID.

The Reverse of the 1973 Half Dollar

Flip it over and you’ll see the Presidential Seal. A bald eagle sits at center, ringed by 50 stars for the states. The eagle grips 13 arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. Above the eagle’s head: E PLURIBUS UNUM and 13 more stars. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR wrap around the rim.

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 are worth face value or close to it. Millions survive. Standard circulated pieces go for $1–$2 because collectors only chase uncirculated rolls, slabbed gems, and proof strikes.

The 1973-S proofs pull $5–$10 depending on cameo contrast. Mint state coins with full strikes and clean surfaces can hit $15–$25 when certified, and MS66+ examples bring real money.

Errors change everything. Doubled dies, off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and wrong-planchet coins all draw serious buyer interest. If you’re not sure what you’ve got, the Coin Value Checker APP can identify varieties and give you a value range in seconds.

 

1973 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1973 Kennedy half dollar comes in five 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

Total production across all three mints: 150,895,739 coins. Denver actually outproduced Philadelphia for business strikes that year. San Francisco’s 2.76 million proofs were sold exclusively in annual collector proof sets.

 

1973 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value (Philadelphia)

Did you know this is the lowest-mintage circulation-strike Kennedy half from 1965 to 1976? Most collectors don’t. You can spot a Philly coin by the absence of any mint mark — look just below Kennedy’s neck, above the date. Nothing there means Philadelphia.

PCGS says these are easy to find through MS65. At MS66, things get “much more difficult.” MS67 is genuinely hard. Anything above that is rare.

Circulated examples bring $1–$2. Gem MS65 coins run $5–$12. At MS67, you’re looking at around $400. But the headline number is that monster-toned MS66 that sold for $6,600 at Heritage Auctions in August 2024. That’s the power of exceptional toning in a niche market — way above what a typical MS66 brings.

Auction records show just how much upside this “common” Philly coin can have.

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

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 56 (Aug 2026).

 

1973-D Half Dollar Value (Denver)

If you’re hunting for sharp strikes, Denver is where I’d start. The 1973-D has a solid reputation for above-average strike quality, and with 83,171,400 minted, there’s plenty of material to search through. Look for the D mint mark on the obverse, just above the date.

Circulated coins go for $1–$2. MS65 examples bring $8–$15. At MS67, expect around $250. One oddball result: an MS62 sold for $1,704 at Heritage Auctions in 2013. That’s a wild price for a 62 — likely something special about the coin’s eye appeal or an unattributed error.

This was also one of the last regular-issue Kennedy halves before the Bicentennial series took over. Congress authorized that design competition on March 5, 1973.

Premium examples of this Denver issue show wide price swings at auction.

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

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 3 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-S Proof Half Dollar Value

Here’s a common misconception: people think all proof coins are valuable. With 2,760,339 struck, the standard 1973-S proof is actually very affordable. These were sold in annual proof sets and never entered circulation.

Proof coins get struck multiple times on polished planchets with polished dies. The “regular” proof designation means you get mirror-like fields but without the frosted contrast you see on cameo or deep cameo pieces.

PR65 examples typically sell for $5–$10. Even PR69 coins only fetch $20–$30. Great entry point if you’re building a proof Kennedy set on a budget.

Sales data across grades and platforms confirms how accessible these regular proofs remain.

Market activity shows steady collector engagement with moderate fluctuations recently.

Market activity score: 50/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-S CAM Half Dollar Value

What’s the difference between a $10 proof and a $35 proof? Often, it’s the cameo designation. CAM stands for Cameo — the coin shows moderate contrast between frosted raised devices and mirror-bright fields. It sits between a regular proof and the top-tier Deep Cameo.

Both PCGS and NGC apply strict standards. The contrast has to be consistent and visible on both sides. That selectivity makes CAM examples scarcer than regular proofs, though not as tough as DCAM coins.

PR65 CAM examples run $10–$20. PR69 CAM can reach $35 or more. The top auction result is $165 for a PR67 CAM sold in 2018.

Past sales show where these cameo examples land in the pricing hierarchy.

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

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 3 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1973-S DCAM Half Dollar Value

A perfect PR70 DCAM with only 117 graded by PCGS — that’s the coin registry set builders are chasing. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo, the highest surface-quality designation a proof can earn. You need intensely frosted, snow-white devices against fields that look like a polished black mirror. Only coins from fresh or carefully maintained dies achieve that look.

PCGS says the 1973-S Kennedy is “very common in most grades even in PR69 Deep Cameo.” So don’t overpay for a 69. The real scarcity is at PR70.

The PR70 DCAM market has been all over the place. The all-time record is $4,888 (2006). In 2023, examples sold anywhere from $192 to $835. Based on October 2025 auction data, realistic current market values for PR70 DCAM run between $800 and $1,600. PR69 DCAM coins are far more common and typically trade for $25–$50.

Auction results show the huge spread between standard PR69 examples and perfect specimens.

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

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 6 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1973 Half Dollar Error List

Errors on 1973 Kennedy halves fall into three categories: planchet problems, die problems, and striking problems. Each type carries its own premium, and some are worth serious money.

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

This is the variety every 1973 Kennedy cherrypicker wants to find. The 1973-D DDO FS-101 is a Doubled Die Obverse — the working die got misaligned hub impressions during production, leaving a clear “shadow” on the design elements.

It’s listed in the PCGS registry and shows strong, naked-eye doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1973. Start by examining the right side of the coin — that’s where the doubling pops hardest.

Values run from about $25 in circulated grades to $1,700+ in MS65 or above. One certified example brought $1,704 at Heritage Auctions. Watch out for machine doubling, though. It looks similar but is worth nothing. Machine doubling appears flat and shelf-like. True doubled dies show raised, equal-height impressions. Always get third-party authentication from PCGS or NGC before paying a premium.

 

2. 1973 Wrong Planchet Error (Transitional Error)

This is the holy grail for 1973 Kennedy hunters — a coin struck on a leftover 40% silver planchet from the 1965–1970 era. These happen when old-composition blanks weren’t fully cleared from the mint’s supply before the switch to clad.

Standard 1973 clad halves weigh 11.34 grams. A 40% silver transitional error would come in around 11.5 grams. If your coin feels heavy, get it on a precise scale. If the weight checks out, send it straight to PCGS or NGC — these are worth thousands when confirmed.

 

3. 1973-S Proof Struck on Quarter Planchet

This one’s a head-scratcher. Somehow a clad quarter planchet (5.6 grams, 24.3 mm) ended up in the proof press instead of a proper half dollar planchet (11.34 grams, 30.61 mm). The smaller blank means the design runs right off the edge — you can’t miss it.

A PR68 Cameo example of this error sold for $3,375. Wrong-planchet errors in proof coinage are extraordinarily unusual because the minting process is so tightly controlled. Everything had to go wrong for this coin to escape the mint.

 

4. 1973-D Double Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet happens when the blanking press punches a planchet from a strip that overlaps a previously punched hole. You get a curved “bite” of missing metal. A double clip means it happened twice — two distinct curved gaps on the coin’s edge.

A 1973-D double clipped planchet in MS62 sold for $552.50. Visually dramatic errors like this draw strong bidding even in lower grades.

 

5. 1973-S Proof Off-Center Strike

Off-center proofs are genuinely rare. San Francisco’s proof presses were tightly controlled, so very few misstrikes escaped. A 1973-S PR66 Deep Cameo struck 10% off-center sold for $1,920 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in Summer 2025. That premium reflects both the rarity of the error and the desirability of DCAM surfaces on top of it.

 

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 interest: 10,590 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 from Mar 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

*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 aren’t rare at all — over 150 million were struck across three mints. But specific coins absolutely are. MS67 business strikes, PR70 DCAM proofs, and authenticated errors can all bring serious money.

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

Roughly $1–$2 in average circulated condition. Heavy wear drops it closer to face value ($0.50). There’s no silver in these, so the value is purely numismatic.

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. Zero silver. 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 check the edge and see a copper stripe, it’s clad.

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

For regularly certified coins, it’s the PR70 DCAM — only 117 graded by PCGS. Among errors, wrong-planchet strikes (on a quarter blank or leftover silver planchet) are the most valuable, bringing over $3,000 when authenticated. Transitional errors on 40% silver planchets are considered even rarer.

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

Look at LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1973 — specifically the right side of the coin, where doubling is most prominent on the FS-101. You should see a clear secondary “shadow” on the lettering. Grab a 5x or 10x loupe to confirm. The key distinction: true doubled dies show raised, equal-height impressions. Machine doubling looks flat and shelf-like — and is worth nothing.

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

CAM (Cameo) means moderate contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields. DCAM (Deep Cameo) is the top tier — dramatic, crisp frost against deeply mirrored fields. DCAM coins always command higher premiums. For the 1973-S series, the 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 it 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 yours comes in heavy with no signs of damage, submit it to PCGS or NGC immediately — these are worth thousands 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?

Only if it meets the bar. I think grading makes sense if your coin looks MS65 or better with strong luster and minimal bag marks, if you suspect a doubled die or wrong-planchet error, if it has exceptional toning with no damage, or if you plan to sell at auction. For circulated examples or common MS63–MS64 coins, the grading fees will eat up any value gained.