The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from 50 cents in heavily circulated condition to over $20 or more for high-grade uncirculated examples, with certain varieties commanding even higher prices among collectors. If you found one of these coins in a drawer or old jar, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
Whether you inherited a collection or just stumbled across an old half dollar, a good coin identification app can be a helpful first step to figure out what you’re holding before you dive deeper into values. Tools like CoinKnow make it easy to identify coins quickly using just your smartphone camera — no coin expertise required.
What Makes the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar Special
The Kennedy Half Dollar has been minted since 1964, created to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. By 1979, these coins were well into the clad era — meaning they were made of copper-nickel rather than silver. The 1979 version was produced at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), the latter being used for proof coins only.
Even though the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar doesn’t carry the silver premium of its earlier counterparts, it still holds collector interest — especially in top mint-state grades. The coin features the classic Gilroy Roberts portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and Frank Gasparro’s Presidential Seal design on the reverse, a combination that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Understanding which mint produced your coin is the first key step in determining value.
1979 Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Grade and Mint Mark
The condition of your coin — referred to as its “grade” — plays the biggest role in determining value. A coin that looks like it just came from the mint is worth far more than one that’s been worn smooth from decades of circulation.
Here’s a general value guide:
| Coin | Circulated (Good–Fine) | Uncirculated (MS-60–63) | Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 – $1 | $2 – $5 | $10 – $20+ |
| 1979-D Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 – $1 | $2 – $5 | $10 – $20+ |
| 1979-S Proof (Type 1 – Filled S) | N/A | $3 – $6 | $8 – $15 |
| 1979-S Proof (Type 2 – Clear S) | N/A | $30 – $60 | $60 – $100+ |
For a deeper look at 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar prices across mint state grades, including recent auction results, it’s worth checking up-to-date market data.
The 1979-S Proof Varieties: Type 1 vs. Type 2
Here’s where things get interesting for collectors. The San Francisco Mint produced proof versions of the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar, and there are actually two distinct varieties based on the mint mark style.
The Type 1 (Filled S) has a mint mark that appears somewhat blobby or filled in — the result of an older, worn die. The Type 2 (Clear S) features a sharper, more defined “S” mint mark from a newly engraved die introduced mid-year.
The Type 2 is significantly rarer than the Type 1, making it notably more valuable. If you have a proof set from 1979, it’s definitely worth pulling out a magnifying glass to check which variety you have. The difference could mean anywhere from $5 to over $60+ in added value depending on condition.
CoinKnow is a great app to help you compare mint mark details and variety types side by side using your phone — especially useful when you’re trying to tell the difference between these two proof varieties.
How to Know If Your 1979 Half Dollar Is Worth More
Beyond the proof varieties, a few other factors can affect value significantly:
– Strike quality: Coins with sharp, well-defined details on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable.
– Luster: Uncirculated coins should have a natural cartwheel shine. Any cleaning or polishing dramatically reduces collector value.
– Errors: While uncommon, die errors or doubling on lettering can push values higher for error coin collectors.
If you want a full breakdown of what your 1979 Half Dollar is worth based on condition and variety, detailed guides with grading images can help you make a more accurate assessment at home.
When in doubt, having a coin graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC is the most reliable way to confirm value — especially for any potential gem-grade or Type 2 proof examples.
Tips for Selling or Keeping Your 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar
If your coin is heavily worn and shows no special varieties, its value is likely close to face value — about 50 cents to a dollar. That said, uncirculated rolls or original mint sets from 1979 can be worth holding onto, as they preserve the coins in the best possible condition.
For selling, options include local coin dealers, online platforms like eBay, or dedicated coin auction sites. Always get a few opinions before selling, and never clean your coins — it permanently damages surfaces and lowers value to collectors.
Using tools like CoinKnow to research your coins before approaching a dealer puts you in a much stronger position and helps ensure you get a fair price.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
A: No. The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Kennedy Half Dollars were only made with 90% silver in 1964 and 40% silver from 1965–1970. From 1971 onward, including 1979, they contain no silver.
Q: How do I tell if my 1979-S proof is a Type 1 or Type 2?
A: You’ll need a magnifying glass or loupe. The Type 1 has a “filled” or blobby-looking S mint mark, while the Type 2 has a crisp, clear S with well-defined curves. The Type 2 is the rarer and more valuable variety.
Q: Are 1979 Kennedy Half Dollars rare?
A: Not generally — millions were minted. However, high-grade uncirculated examples and the 1979-S Type 2 proof variety are genuinely scarce and collectible. Most circulated examples are worth close to face value, while top-grade coins can fetch $20 to $100 or more.
