1979 Half Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

Have you found a half dollar dated 1979 in your pocket change? Or maybe you’re thinking about adding one to your collection? Either way, you’ve come to the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.

Most 1979 half dollars are worth close to face value in circulated condition — between $0.97 and $1.00. In Mint State (MS), meaning uncirculated condition never used as money, prices range from about $11 to $61 for typical grades. The special San Francisco Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof versions command modest premiums at $7.33–$13.22, while the scarcer Type 2 variety jumps to $30 or more. But high-grade examples and rare errors can push values into the thousands.

So if you’re ready, step this way!

 

1979 Half Dollar Value By Variety

1979 Half Dollar Value History and Background

The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar represents a milestone in American coinage, marking the ninth year of fully clad copper-nickel production since the Mint eliminated silver from circulation coins entirely in 1971.

By 1979, the coin had completed a dramatic three-stage transformation. It started as 90% silver in 1964, shifted to a 40% silver alloy from 1965 to 1970, and then became fully clad — a copper core sandwiched between cupronickel layers — from 1971 onward. This final composition gives the coin its silver-like appearance while containing no precious metal at all.

The transition was forced by rising silver prices that made earlier coins worth more as raw metal than as money. But even after silver was removed, half dollars struggled to circulate. Americans had developed a hoarding habit that persisted for years, and 1979 half dollars piled up in Federal Reserve vaults much like their predecessors.

One reason 1979 is a historically notable year is that it marked the debut of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar on July 2, 1979. Congress and the U.S. Mint hoped this smaller dollar coin would finally replace the bulky Eisenhower Dollar, but the public widely confused it with the quarter. The SBA dollar’s immediate failure actually overshadowed the Kennedy Half Dollar in news coverage of that year’s coinage changes, even though the half dollar quietly continued being made by the millions.

That same year, 1979, the U.S. Mint launched a landmark Industrial Hygiene program and began wide-scale efforts to reduce noise levels on the production floor. These worker-safety improvements, noted in official PCGS records, didn’t change how the coins looked, but they do represent an interesting historical footnote about conditions at the Mint during this era.

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

 

Is Your 1979 Half Dollar Rare?

In circulated grades, 1979 half dollars are common and easy to find. At the top of the grading scale, however, the picture changes completely.

As of April 2025, only 2 coins have been certified PCGS MS68 and just 4 coins hold the NGC MS68 designation for the Philadelphia issue — and nothing grades higher than MS68. MS67 is also a genuine challenge, with roughly 100 examples known across both services. For the Denver issue, the auction record of $5,750 was set by an MS68 example, confirming its conditional rarity at the very top of the scale.

To quickly verify the current rarity status and market position of any Kennedy Half Dollar variety, collectors can use our Coin Value Checker APP for instant access to updated rankings and valuation data.

 

Key Features of the 1979 Half Dollar

The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is a clad coin, meaning it has a copper core bonded to outer layers of cupronickel (a mix of copper and nickel). This construction gives it the appearance of silver without any precious metal content.

The Obverse of the 1979 Half Dollar

The obverse (front) of the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar features President John F. Kennedy’s portrait, designed by Mint engraver Gilroy Roberts. Roberts originally crafted this image for a presidential medal that Kennedy himself had approved before his assassination on November 22, 1963. When the coin was rushed into production, Roberts made one small change — Kennedy appears with a slight smile rather than the neutral expression of the original medal design.

“LIBERTY” arcs along the upper edge, the date appears at the lower edge, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” sits horizontally above the date. Roberts placed his initials on the truncation below the portrait. Coins struck at Denver or San Francisco carry a “D” or “S” mint mark just above the date; Philadelphia coins have no mint mark — and 1979 was the last year they ever would.

The Reverse of the 1979 Half Dollar

The reverse (back) design was crafted by Frank Gasparro, who served as the 10th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1965 to 1981. Gasparro is also the designer behind the Lincoln Memorial cent reverse, the Eisenhower Dollar, and — interestingly — the Susan B. Anthony Dollar that debuted the same year this coin was made.

An eagle dominates the center of the reverse, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other — symbols of peace and military readiness. A presidential shield overlays the eagle’s chest, and surrounding stars represent the individual states. The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (“From the many, one”) arcs above the eagle, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top and “HALF DOLLAR” along the bottom edge. Gasparro signed his work with initials placed below the eagle’s leg.

Other Features of the 1979 Half Dollar

Philadelphia and Denver struck half dollars for general circulation in 1979, while San Francisco produced only proof coins for collectors. All three types have reeded (ridged) edges, measure 30.61 millimeters in diameter, and weigh 11.34 grams.

The clad composition makes the 1979 half dollar lighter than its silver predecessors. It weighs 1.2 grams less than the 90% silver coins of 1964, and 0.2 grams less than the 40% silver coins of 1965–1970. If you place a 1979 half dollar on a scale and it reads 11.34 grams, the coin is genuine clad composition.

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

Philadelphia struck 68,312,000 half dollars in 1979, with 2,526,000 of those set aside for inclusion in the annual United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set and 294 reserved for assay. Denver struck a much smaller 15,815,422 pieces. Despite the massive Philadelphia output, only about 20% of surviving coins remain in collectible condition today — the rest suffered circulation wear, improper storage, and general neglect.

The 1979 Uncirculated Coin Set, which includes one example each from Philadelphia and Denver along with $3.82 in face value, typically sells today for $10–$14. These sets are a practical way for budget-minded collectors to acquire a potentially high-grade example without paying a premium.

The 1979-D is the sleeper of the group. Its lower mintage, combined with the fact that all Denver coins were struck purely for circulation with no mint set reserves, means gem survivors are genuinely scarce. Serious collectors building high-grade registry sets should focus on the Denver issue for its long-term appreciation potential.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1979 Half Dollar Value

Grading a 1979 half dollar requires attention to several key factors. For business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, look carefully at luster (the shiny “cartwheel” effect visible under light), surface marks, and strike quality in Kennedy’s hair details. Denver issues can occasionally show slightly weaker strikes than Philadelphia coins, which affects how cleanly the hair strands are defined.

For proof coins from San Francisco, the most important quality markers are the Cameo and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations. A DCAM proof — graded Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo, abbreviated DC or DCAM — has strong frosted (white, matte) devices (the raised design elements) contrasting sharply against mirror-like fields (the flat background areas). This dramatic two-tone contrast is what makes the coin beautiful and collectible. Even minor surface scuffs or cabinet friction, the light rubbing that occurs from storage, can drop a coin from MS65 to MS63, significantly cutting its value.

For accurate grade verification and current market values, collectors can use our Coin Value Checker APP‘s professional assessment tools.

 

1979 Half Dollar Value Guides

There are four distinct 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar varieties:

• 1979 (No Mint Mark) — Philadelphia Mint circulation issue; highest mintage of all four types and the last Philadelphia half dollar ever struck without a “P” mint mark
• 1979-D — Denver Mint circulation coin; lower mintage than Philadelphia and scarcer in high grades
• 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) — San Francisco Mint proof only; features a filled, blob-like “S” mint mark; the more common of the two proof varieties
• 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) — San Francisco Mint proof only; features a sharp, well-defined “S” mint mark; significantly rarer and more valuable

The key difference between the two proof types is the “S” mint mark. Type 1 has a clogged, filled-in “S” that looks almost like a solid rectangle or the number “8.” Type 2 has a crisp, open “S” with two clear openings visible. The Mint switched to improved die polishing partway through 1979 production, producing the Type 2. Only about 11% of all 1979-S Kennedy half dollars — roughly 400,000 to 500,000 coins — are Type 2.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value

The 1979 No Mint Mark Kennedy Half Dollar holds a unique distinction: it is the last half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint without a “P” mint mark. Starting in 1980, Mint Director Stella B. Hackel ordered that all Philadelphia coins — except the Lincoln Memorial Cent — would carry the “P” mark. This makes the 1979 the final year of the “no P” Philadelphia half dollar era, adding a layer of historical significance that appeals to many collectors.

Philadelphia produced 68,312,000 pieces, with 2,526,000 reserved for Uncirculated Coin Sets. More than 13 million examples are believed to survive today in collectible condition, making circulated examples easy to find. The challenge — and where serious value lies — is in the top grades.

As of April 2025, only 2 coins are certified PCGS MS68 and just 4 are certified NGC MS68, with nothing graded higher. The auction record for a regular-strike 1979 (No Mint Mark) half dollar is $3,487.50, paid for a PCGS MS68 at GreatCollections on September 1, 2024. For MS67 examples, recent Heritage Auctions results include $552 in July 2020 and $660 in November 2019 — showing consistent demand for high-grade survivors.

High-grade specimens command impressive prices at major auctions.

Market activity has surged as collectors chase this final “no P” Philadelphia half dollar.

 

1979-D Half Dollar Value

The 1979-D Kennedy Half Dollar had a mintage of 15,815,422 pieces — less than a quarter of the Philadelphia output. Unlike the Philadelphia issue, no Denver coins were held back for Uncirculated Coin Sets; every single Denver half dollar was struck for circulation. This means fewer high-grade survivors exist, which makes the 1979-D the scarcer coin in top condition.

In MS67, examples have realized $552–$660 at Heritage Auctions in recent years. An MS67+ can sell for $2,703 or more. The auction record for the series is $5,750 for an MS68, realized on eBay in February 2023 — a figure that demonstrates just how much collectors will pay when they find a genuinely exceptional Denver piece.

Circulated examples and lower uncirculated grades are still affordable, making the 1979-D a good entry-level coin. But for serious collectors building registry sets, this is the variety to focus on: the low mintage, combined with the absence of any mint set production, means high-grade gems are genuinely hard to find.

Premium examples continue to attract serious bidders, with the $5,750 MS68 result highlighting the ceiling for exceptional specimens.

Market activity shows sustained momentum throughout 2025 as collectors increasingly recognize the Denver issue’s relative scarcity.

 

1979-S Type 1 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar has a total mintage of 3,677,175 pieces. Its defining feature is the partially filled “S” mint mark, which looks blurry or clogged under magnification — collectors call this the “Filled S” variety. The serifs of the “S” touch the interior surfaces, making the letter resemble a solid rectangle or the number “8” with the loops filled in.

This coin exists exclusively as a proof strike from the San Francisco Mint. All San Francisco 1979 half dollars were proofs — none were made for circulation. The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation means the frosted devices (raised design) contrast sharply against the mirror-like fields. In the collector market, PR69-grade Type 1 DCAM specimens are valued at approximately $3.54, making it the more affordable of the two proof varieties.

The PCGS auction record for the 1979-S Type 1 is $1,208, realized at Heritage Auctions on February 1, 2003 for a PR70 example — the perfect proof grade.

Looking at the auction performance data, the 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Half Dollar demonstrates consistent collector interest across major auction platforms.

The market activity chart reveals growing momentum for this variety, with participation steadily climbing in 2025.

Use our Coin Value Checker App to help identify potential doubled die varieties through its error detection features.

 

1979-S Type 2 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar shares the same physical specifications as the Type 1 — 11.34 grams and 30.61 mm diameter — but features the sharper, clearer “S” mint mark known as the “Clear S.” Under a loupe or magnifying glass, the Type 2 “S” shows two distinct open loops inside the letter, with serifs that don’t touch the interior walls. The letter looks crisp and well-formed, not clogged.

This variety resulted from the U.S. Mint’s mid-year switch to improved die polishing in 1979. Only about 11% of the 3,677,175 San Francisco proof half dollars are Type 2, meaning roughly 400,000 to 500,000 examples were made. That scarcity drives the premium: market values start around $30 for standard examples, and perfect specimens command much more. The PCGS auction record is $3,738, set at Heritage Auctions in March 2007 for a PCGS PR70DCAM — a perfect proof with deep cameo contrast.

Recent auction results highlight the Type 2’s stronger market positioning compared to its Type 1 counterpart.

Collector activity patterns indicate heightened interest in this “Clear S” variety across trading platforms.

1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar is an extremely specialized die variety within the already rare Type 2 series. It carries an official PCGS variety number and a Cherrypickers’ Guide (FS — “Fivaz-Stanton”) designation of FS-501. The Cherrypickers’ Guide, co-authored by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, is the standard reference book for die varieties in U.S. coins, and any coin receiving an FS number has been formally recognized by that publication.

The population data makes clear just how rare this coin is. Only 1 example has been certified PCGS PR67, 2 examples in PR68, and just 3 examples in PR69 — making it exponentially scarcer than regular Type 2 specimens. A notable sale of $10 for a PR69 example on the EA platform illustrates the thin market for this hyper-specialized variety.

This coin achieved a notable sale record of $10 on the EA platform with a professional grade of 69.

The coin maintains steady trading interest in the collector market, demonstrating consistent investor attention.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1979 Half Dollar Error List

Error coins are pieces that left the Mint with unintended manufacturing mistakes. These are different from varieties (which are the result of die differences) — errors happen during the actual striking process. Here are the documented 1979 half dollar errors collectors should know.

1. 1979 Half Dollar, Double Struck (Mated Pair)

Two 1979 Philadelphia half dollars are known with matching double-strike errors. A double-struck coin occurs when the planchet (the coin blank) is struck by the die a second time without being ejected first. On the second strike, the already-struck coin stuck to the die and then imprinted a blurred mirror image onto the next planchet that entered the press, creating what collectors call a “mated pair.”

Both coins were graded MS64 by PCGS, making them exceptional in mint-state condition. Presented together at auction as a matched set, the pair sold for over $4,000 — a premium driven by the extraordinarily rare combination of two error coins that document the same minting mishap.

2. 1979 Half Dollar, Struck Off-Center

An off-center strike occurs when the blank planchet isn’t perfectly positioned between the dies at the moment of striking. The result is a coin with part of the design missing and a blank, crescent-shaped area on one side. One 1979 Philadelphia half dollar was struck approximately 10% off center — enough to be clearly visible but not as dramatic as some other off-center errors.

This example was certified MS61 by the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) — technically uncirculated despite the error — and sold at auction for $560. Generally speaking, off-center strikes become more valuable as the percentage of misalignment increases, as long as the date remains visible.

3. 1979 Half Dollar Struck on Susan B. Anthony Dollar Planchet

One of the most fascinating errors in the entire 1979 Kennedy half dollar series is a coin struck on the wrong metal disc. One half dollar was struck on a planchet (blank) intended for the newly-introduced Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Because the SBA dollar planchet weighs only 8.1 grams compared to the half dollar’s normal 11.34 grams, and is also slightly smaller in diameter, the design doesn’t fully fit — the edges of the coin design are clipped off where the smaller disc runs out of metal.

A PCGS MS65 example sold at auction for over $900. A separate NGC AU58 example from the David J. Greene Collection sold for $1,725 at Heritage Auctions — the higher price reflecting both the superior authentication from a named collection and the historical significance of this extremely rare wrong-planchet combination. PCGS notes this is one of the rarest wrong-planchet combinations in Kennedy half dollar collecting, because SBA dollars were only struck for three years (1979, 1980, and 1999).

4. 1979 Half Dollar, First-Strike Brockage (Double-Headed)

A brockage error is one of the rarest types of mint mistakes possible. It happens when a struck coin sticks to one of the dies instead of being ejected, and the next blank planchet is then struck against that stuck coin rather than the proper die. The result is a coin showing Kennedy’s portrait on both sides — one side normal and the other showing a mirror-image, incuse (recessed) impression of the obverse design.

A 1979 Kennedy half dollar with this First Strike Brockage error was certified PCGS XF-45 and sold through GreatCollections (auction item #689015). The double-headed appearance makes this coin visually dramatic and highly prized by error collectors. Brockage errors in higher grades can sell for $200 to $1,000 or more depending on the sharpness of the impressed image.

5. 1979 Half Dollar, Missing Clad Layer

Because the 1979 half dollar is a clad coin — a copper core bonded to outer cupronickel layers — it’s possible for one of those outer layers to fail to bond properly before striking. When this happens, the finished coin shows the copper-colored core on one side or both, instead of the expected silver-colored cupronickel surface.

A missing clad layer error is instantly recognizable: one face of the coin appears copper/brownish-orange rather than the expected silver-grey. These errors can occur on either the obverse or reverse. Missing clad layer Kennedy half dollars in collectible condition typically sell for $50–$200 depending on the extent of the missing layer and the coin’s grade.

 

Where to Sell Your 1979 Half Dollar

After determining what your coins are worth, you’re probably wondering about the best online selling options. We’ve researched and compiled a full guide to the top platforms, outlining their services, pros, and cons.

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

 

1979 Half Dollar Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1979 Half Dollar Value

1. How much is a circulated 1979 half dollar worth?

A circulated 1979 half dollar from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D) is worth between $0.97 and $1.00 — essentially face value. Coins show wear on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers from handling, and the large supply means there’s little collector premium for worn examples. If you want value, focus on uncirculated coins graded MS65 and above.

2. Is a 1979 half dollar made of real silver?

No. The 1979 half dollar contains no silver at all. Its silver-like color comes entirely from the cupronickel outer layers. The last Kennedy half dollars made with silver for regular circulation were the 40% silver issues of 1965–1970. Starting in 1971, all circulation Kennedy half dollars switched to the fully clad copper-nickel composition used in 1979. Some special collector proof sets since 1992 do include silver Kennedy half dollars, and since 2019, 99.9% silver proof issues have been available, but these are entirely separate from the 1979 series.

3. What’s the difference between 1979-S Type 1 and Type 2 half dollars, and how can I tell them apart?

The difference is in the “S” mint mark above the date. The Type 1 has a filled, blob-like “S” that looks blurry or clogged — the serifs touch the interior, making it resemble a solid rectangle or the number “8” with the loops filled in. The Type 2 has a crisp, well-defined “S” with two clear open spaces inside the letter that you can see through. The Type 2 was produced from improved dies introduced mid-year and represents only about 11% of all 1979-S proof half dollars. Use a magnifying glass of at least 5x to examine the mint mark closely.

4. What is the most valuable 1979 half dollar?

For regular strikes, the most valuable 1979 half dollar is the 1979-D in MS68 condition, which sold for $5,750 on eBay in February 2023. For the Philadelphia issue, the top price was $3,487.50 for a PCGS MS68 at GreatCollections in September 2024. Among proofs, the 1979-S Type 2 DCAM holds the record at $3,738 for a PCGS PR70DCAM at Heritage Auctions in March 2007. Error coins can exceed all of these — a 1979 SBA planchet error in NGC AU58 sold for $1,725 at Heritage Auctions.

5. Is a 1979 half dollar with no mint mark rare?

In circulated condition, the no-mint-mark Philadelphia coin is the most common of all 1979 half dollar varieties — over 13 million are believed to survive. But it is historically rare as the final year any Philadelphia half dollar was struck without a “P” mint mark. Starting in 1980, Mint Director Stella B. Hackel required the “P” on all Philadelphia coins except the Lincoln cent. That historical distinction adds collector appeal beyond raw numbers.

6. What makes a 1979 half dollar worth grading professionally?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $100–$150 or more per coin when you factor in membership, fees, handling, and shipping. This only makes financial sense for coins likely worth $200 or more. For 1979 half dollars, that means targeting uncirculated coins that appear MS65 or better, confirmed rare errors or wrong-planchet coins, Type 2 proof coins that look flawless, and coins for registry set competition at MS67 or above. Most collectors should start with the free Coin Value Checker APP to screen coins before committing to professional grading fees.

7. What 1979 half dollar errors should I look for?

The five documented errors to hunt are the double-struck mated pair (over $4,000 for the set), the off-center strike (MS61 sold for $560), the wrong-planchet error on a Susan B. Anthony dollar blank (MS65 sold for over $900; AU58 sold for $1,725 at Heritage Auctions), the First Strike Brockage double-headed error (PCGS XF-45 at GreatCollections), and coins showing a missing clad layer ($50–$200 range). All of these should be authenticated by PCGS or NGC before purchase or sale.

8. How does the 1979-D half dollar compare to the 1979 Philadelphia issue?

The Denver issue has about one-quarter the mintage of Philadelphia (15.8 million vs. 68.3 million), and crucially, no Denver coins were reserved for Uncirculated Coin Sets — every single one was struck for circulation. This means far fewer high-grade survivors exist. In MS67 and above, the 1979-D is the harder coin to find, and its MS68 auction record of $5,750 exceeds the Philadelphia MS68 record of $3,487.50, confirming its conditional scarcity premium.

9. Why is 1979 historically significant for Kennedy half dollars?

Three reasons make 1979 a landmark year for the Kennedy half dollar series. First, it was the last year the Philadelphia Mint struck a half dollar without a “P” mint mark — a designation that has never appeared again. Second, 1979 saw the debut of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar on July 2, which directly competed with the half dollar for attention in the marketplace. Third, it was the year the Mint introduced its Industrial Hygiene program and noise-reduction initiatives on the production floor — a worker-safety milestone that affected all coins struck that year.

10. Can I still find 1979 half dollars in circulation or at a bank?

Yes, in theory. Banks are required to provide half dollars at face value, and some branches may have rolls of Kennedy half dollars in mixed years including 1979. In practice, many bank branches no longer stock half dollar rolls regularly, but you can ask a teller or order a box of half dollar rolls to search. You are unlikely to find anything above circulated condition this way, but it’s a free (face-value) way to build a collection. For higher-grade examples, check dealers, Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or Stack’s Bowers.