1979 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

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

The 1979 half dollar values are much lower than earlier years, with regular strikes worth close to face value ($0.97-$1.00) in most conditions, reaching only $11-$61 in Mint State. The special San Francisco DCAM (Deep Cameo) proof versions command modest premiums at $7.33-$13.22, reflecting their more recent vintage and higher mintages.

So if you’re ready, step this way!

 

1979 Half Dollar Value By Variety

History of the 1979 Half Dollar

The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar represents a significant milestone in American coinage evolution, marking nearly a decade of clad composition production since its introduction in 1971.

By 1979, the half dollar had completed its transition from the 90% silver content of 1964, through the 40% silver composition of 1965-1970, to the fully clad copper-nickel structure introduced in 1971. The 1979 Kennedy half dollar features a copper core sandwiched between cupronickel layers, giving it the appearance of silver while eliminating precious metal content entirely.

This compositional shift was necessitated by rising silver prices that made the coins worth more as bullion than face value. However, the 1979 half dollar continued to face circulation challenges – collectors and the public had developed a hoarding mentality that persisted even after silver removal. As a result, 1979 half dollars, like their immediate predecessors, rarely appeared in everyday commerce and accumulated in Federal Reserve vaults, establishing the pattern that would eventually redirect half dollar production toward the collector market rather than general circulation.

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

 

Is your 1979 Half Dollar Rare?

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

 

Key Features of the 1979 Half Dollar

The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar marked the ninth year of clad composition production, featuring the distinctive copper core with cupronickel cladding that eliminated silver content while maintaining the coin’s traditional appearance.

The Obverse of the 1979 Half Dollar

The obverse of the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar features John F. Kennedy’s portrait, masterfully crafted by Mint engraver Gilroy Roberts. Originally designed for a presidential medal that Kennedy himself had approved, the image was adapted for coinage with a subtle but significant change – Kennedy was depicted with a slight smile rather than the neutral expression of the original medal.

The obverse incorporates several key inscriptional elements following traditional American coinage conventions. “LIBERTY” curves along the upper edge above Kennedy’s portrait, while the date appears parallel to the lower edge. Roberts discretely placed his initials on the truncation below the portrait. The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned horizontally above the date, with the words split on either side of Kennedy’s neck. For coins struck at the Denver or San Francisco mints, a corresponding “D” or “S” mint mark appears just above the date, distinguishing these issues from the Philadelphia mint’s unmarked coins.

The Reverse of the 1979 Half Dollar

Like the obverse, the reverse design was adapted from pre-existing artwork originally created for the Kennedy presidential medal, allowing for the coin’s rapid production following the President’s assassination. This practical approach ensured that the new denomination could enter production within the remarkably short timeframe demanded by Congress and the grieving nation.

The reverse presents a powerful amalgamation of American symbols centered around the Presidential seal. An eagle dominates the composition, clutching an olive branch and bundle of arrows in its talons, representing the nation’s desire for peace while maintaining readiness for war. A shield provides additional patriotic imagery, while surrounding stars symbolize the individual states united under one flag.

Gasparro modestly signed his work by placing his initials below the eagle’s leg. The inscriptional elements include the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (“From the many, one”) arcing above the eagle, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top, and the full denomination “HALF DOLLAR” positioned along the bottom edge.

Other Features of the 1979 Half Dollar

1979 saw the Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver striking half dollars for circulation. The San Francisco facility, meanwhile, produced smaller numbers of proof coins, aiming them at the collectors’ market. Both proofs and business strike half dollars have reeded edges. They measure 30.61 millimeters in diameter and weigh 11.3 grams.

They have a copper core and are clad in cupronickel, and weigh slightly less than silver Kennedy half dollars as a result. The difference between the clad half dollars and the earliest 90 per cent silver coins is 1.2 grams. The difference between them and the 40 per cent silver coins is just 0.2 grams.

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

Despite massive Philadelphia production exceeding 68 million coins, only 20% made it through the decades in collectible condition – victims of neglect, circulation wear, and simple indifference. Meanwhile, Denver casted much smaller 15.8 million coins.

While casual observers dismiss 1979 Kennedy halves as “modern junk,” experienced collectors understand the investment dynamics at play. The 1979-D particularly represents undervalued potential in a series where true scarcity often hides in plain sight.

Entry-level collectors can build foundational sets affordably, while serious investors should focus on the Denver mint’s lower production numbers. The proof issues offer advanced collecting challenges for those seeking portfolio diversification.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1979 Half Dollar Value

Business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver demand careful attention to luster preservation and strike quality variations between facilities. Denver issues often exhibit slightly weaker strikes in the hair details, while proof coins require expertise in distinguishing between Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast levels. Surface preservation becomes paramount, as even minor cabinet friction can drop a coin from MS-65 to MS-63, significantly impacting value.

For accurate grade verification and current market values, collectors can utilize our CoinValueChecker APP‘s professional assessment tools.

 

1979 Half Dollar Value Guides

1979 Half Dollar Varieties:

• 1979 (No Mint Mark) – Philadelphia Mint circulation issue with the highest mintage numbers
• 1979-D (Denver Mint) – Standard circulation coin with moderate mintage from Denver facility
• 1979-S Type 1 (San Francisco Mint) – Proof coin with a filled, blob-like “S” mint mark, more common
• 1979-S Type 2 (San Francisco Mint) – Proof coin featuring a clear, sharp “S” mint mark design, much rarer

The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar features four distinct varieties, with the San Francisco Mint producing two notable Type variations. The key difference lies in the “S” mint mark clarity – Type 1 shows a filled, indistinct “S” while Type 2 displays a clear, sharp “S” caused by improved die polishing. The Type 2 variety is significantly scarcer and commands higher premiums among collectors.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value

The 1979 No Mint Mark Kennedy Half Dollar holds a unique distinction as the last half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint to not feature the “P” mintmark. This Philadelphia issue has the highest mintage among all 1979 varieties at 68,312,000 pieces, making it the most common of the four types.

Unlike later years, starting in 1980, Mint Director Stella B. Hackel ordered that all Philadelphia coins except the Lincoln Memorial Cent would carry the “P” mintmark, making the 1979 the final year without this identifying mark.

2,526,000 examples were held back for inclusion in the United States Mint’s annual Uncirculated Coin Set, and over 13 million are believed to survive today, making circulated examples easily obtainable. Beyond this distinction, the Philadelphia issue experienced unique minting errors that collectors prize highly.

One Kennedy half dollar was struck on a planchet that should have been used for a Susan B. Anthony dollar. As the planchet was smaller than it should have been, the edges of the design are lost. The resulting coin was in great condition, graded a gem quality MS65 by the PCGS. And when it was presented at auction, it sold for over $900. 

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 casted 15,815,422 pieces. When compared to the Philadelphia type, the Denver-minted variety may boast limited production quantities, which are far scarcer in higher grades, creating substantial premium potential for collectors. The Denver half dollars were struck purely for circulation, resulting in fewer high-grade survivors. Those with a grading of MS67 can go for $400 to $800. An MS67+ can even sell for a whopping $2,703. 

Due to the modest mintage, these coins are still readily available at low prices in the lower grades, but in this case, the 1979 JFK half dollar value may exceed a few thousand because of clean strikes, well-defined relief, and limited availability in mint state conditions, making it the sleeper hit among 1979 varieties for serious collectors.

Premium examples continue to attract serious bidders, with the standout $2,703 result highlighting the potential for exceptional specimens.

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

 

1979-S Type1 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1979-S Type 1 DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar has a total mintage of 3,677,175 pieces. Its most distinctive characteristic is the smaller, partially filled-in “S” mintmark that appears unclear and blurred, earning it the nickname “Filled S” variety. The Type 1’s “S” mintmark features serifs that touch the interior surfaces, making it resemble a solid rectangle or the number “8” with the center loops mostly filled in.

This coin exists exclusively as a proof strike from the San Francisco Mint, exhibiting deep cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. In the collector market, PR69-grade Type 1 DCAM specimens are valued at approximately $3.54, making it the more common of the two varieties.

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 CoinValueChecker App to help identify potential doubled die varieties through its error detection features.

 

1979-S Type2 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar shares identical specifications of 11.34 grams and 30.61 millimeters diameter, but features a much clearer, well-defined, and larger “S” mintmark known as the “Clear S” variety. The Type 2’s “S” mintmark displays distinct, separated serifs with two clear openings inside the top and bottom portions, resembling a clear number “8”.

This variety resulted from the U.S. Mint’s enhancement of the mintmark later in 1979, with estimates suggesting only 11% of all 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollars are Type 2, representing approximately 400,000-500,000 pieces. The Type 2 variety commands significantly higher premiums, with market values around $30 or more. PCGS PR70DCAM examples have achieved auction records of $3,738, establishing it as a key modern variety in the Kennedy half dollar series.

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 Type2 FS-501 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1979-S Type 2 FS-501 DCAM Kennedy Half Dollar represents an extremely specialized die variety within the already scarce Type 2 Clear S series, officially recognized by PCGS with its own designation number. This variety shares the basic specifications with other Type 2 specimens, but carries the distinctive “FS-501” Cherrypickers’ Guide designation.

The FS-501 designation suggests this represents a subset with particular die state characteristics or minor die varieties that distinguish it from regular Type 2 production. The FS-501 designation makes this coin extraordinarily rare among collectors seeking comprehensive Kennedy half dollar die varieties.

The population data reveals the extraordinary rarity of this variety, with only 1 coin certified in PR67, 2 coins in PR68, and merely 3 examples achieving the coveted PR69 grade, making it exponentially scarcer than regular Type 2 specimens.

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

Here are the known 1979 half dollar errors for collectors.

1. 1979 Half Dollar, Double Struck

Two 1979 half dollars struck in Philadelphia have matching errors. They occurred when one coin was struck twice. On the second strike, it stuck to the die. That coin then struck the next planchet, leaving a blurred impression of the double struck coin.

The two coins were incredibly unusual. They were both in mint state, graded MS64 by the PCGS. And they were presented at auction as a “mated pair”, selling for over $4,000.

2. 1979 (P) Proof Half Dollar, Struck Off-Center

Occasionally, a planchet is not properly aligned when it’s struck by the die. As a result, the image on one side of the coin is off-center. That’s what happened with one Philadelphia half dollar in 1979. The error wasn’t particularly dramatic – the strike was around 10 per cent off where it should have been. But the coin was in mint state, graded MS61 by the NGC. It sold at auction for $560.

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

One of the more unusual types of errors are coins struck on the wrong planchet. In 1979, one Kennedy half dollar was struck on a planchet that should have been used for a Susan B. Anthony dollar. As the planchet was smaller than it should have been, the edges of the design are lost. The resulting coin was in great condition, graded a gem quality MS65 by the PCGS. And when it was presented at auction, it sold for over $900.

 

Where to Sell Your 1979 Half Dollar?

After determining what your coins are worth, you’re probably wondering about convenient online selling options. I’ve researched and compiled a guide to the best 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

1. How rare is a 1979 half dollar coin?

In circulated condition, it isn’t too difficult to find 1979 half dollar coins. And those from Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (marked with a “D”) can sometimes be found in pocket change. In high uncirculated grades, however, Denver and Philadelphia coins are both rare. Anything graded MS66+ and above will be worth good money.

San Francisco proofs, however, are relatively easy to find at all grades – even a perfect PR70. The rarer of the two types is the Type 2. This has a clearly inscribed “S” mint mark, as opposed to the blocky Type 1.

2. Is a 1979 half dollar real silver?

Although the 1979 half dollar appears silver, the color actually comes from cupronickel cladding. With the exception of the bicentennial half dollars, none of the regular Kennedy half dollars were made with real silver after 1970.

Some of the Kennedy proof dollars made from 1992 onwards, however, do contain silver. And since 2019, proof Kennedy dollars made from 99.9 per cent silver have been struck for collectors.

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

The main difference lies in the “S” mint mark design. The Type 1 has a filled-in, blob-like “S” mint mark that appears unclear and blurred, often resembling a solid rectangle or the number “8” with the center loops mostly filled in. The Type 2 features a clear, sharp “S” mint mark with distinct, separated serifs and two clear openings in the top and bottom portions.

To identify them, look at the “S” mint mark above the date on your 1979-S proof half dollar. If the “S” looks solid or filled-in, it’s a Type 1. If you can clearly see through the openings in the “S” and it looks crisp and well-defined, it’s the much rarer Type 2.