A 1979-D Kennedy half dollar in MS68 condition sold for $5,750 at auction — while most circulated examples are worth just $1. The gap between face value and top dollar depends on mint mark, condition, and whether your coin hides a valuable variety or error. This free guide walks you through every factor that matters.
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Go to the Calculator →The 1979-S Type 2 "Clear S" is the single most sought-after proof variety of this year. Use this visual guide and checklist to identify it on your coin.
The 'S' punch was worn and clogged. Loops appear partially closed, blob-like, or merged with the serif. The overall impression looks rounded and soft — almost like a figure-8. Worth $4–$36 in proof grades.
A redesigned, sharper punch produces distinct, open loops at top and bottom. Serifs are clean and well-defined. The letter reads unmistakably as a capital S. Worth $10–$110 in proof grades, cataloged as FS-501 by CONECA.
The table below covers all major 1979 Kennedy half dollar varieties across every condition tier. For a full step-by-step in-depth 1979 half dollar identification breakdown, cross-reference these figures with your coin's specific diagnostics. Values reflect recent market data from PCGS, NGC, and Heritage Auctions.
| Variety | Worn (G–VF) | Circulated (XF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS60–MS65) | Gem MS / Top Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P (Philadelphia) | $1 | $1–$4 | $4–$25 | $35–$4,100+ |
| 1979-D (Denver) | $1 | $1–$4 | $4–$30 | $40–$5,750+ |
| ⭐ 1979-S Type 2 Clear S (Proof) | — | — | — | $10–$110+ (PR70: $3,738) |
| 1979-S Type 1 Filled S (Proof) | — | — | — | $4–$36 (PR70: $1,208) |
| 🔴 Wrong Planchet Error | $500+ | $800+ | $1,000+ | $1,725+ |
| Off-Center Strike (50%+) | $100+ | $200+ | $400+ | $560+ |
| Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | $50+ | $75+ | $150+ | $200+ |
| Broadstrike / Die Break | $10+ | $20+ | $20–$50+ | $75+ |
⭐ = Signature variety highlighted in gold | 🔴 = Rarest error highlighted in red | All values are estimates; individual coins may vary.
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The 1979 Kennedy half dollar was struck during a transitional year — the same year the U.S. Mint launched the Susan B. Anthony dollar using the same copper-nickel clad composition. That shared material, combined with high production volumes and aging dies, created an unusually diverse roster of minting errors. Below are the six most important varieties and errors in descending value order, with all the diagnostic detail you need to identify them.
This is the single most dramatic and valuable error in the 1979 Kennedy half dollar series. It occurred because 1979 was the inaugural year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which shared the same copper-nickel clad composition as the half dollar. Planchets for both denominations were fed through the Mint simultaneously, and on rare occasions a dollar planchet — sized at 26.5mm — entered the half dollar striking chamber instead of the standard 30.61mm half dollar blank.
The result is a coin with Kennedy's portrait and the full half dollar design compressed and cut off around the edges, because the smaller planchet couldn't accommodate the full design field. Weight is the primary diagnostic: a genuine wrong planchet error weighs approximately 8.1 grams instead of the standard 11.30 grams, and its diameter measures approximately 26.5mm. The coin's edge lacks the complete reeding of a proper half dollar.
Collectors pay exceptional premiums for authenticated examples because the wrong planchet combination is a one-year phenomenon — the SBA dollar was minted only in 1979, 1980, and 1999, meaning this planchet mix-up could only have occurred during those production windows. Heritage Auctions has offered authenticated examples, and confirmed sales have reached $1,725 or more depending on grade and die state.
The 1979-S Kennedy half dollar comes in two distinct proof varieties distinguished entirely by their San Francisco mintmark punch. The San Francisco Mint used an older, worn punch through most of 1979, producing what collectors call the Type 1 "Filled S" — a partially closed, blob-like mintmark where the letter's loops appear merged or clogged with metal. Midway through proof production, a new, redesigned punch was introduced with sharper letter construction, yielding the far scarcer Type 2 "Clear S."
Under 5–10× magnification, the Type 2 'S' shows unmistakably open loops at both the top and bottom of the letter, with clean, well-defined serifs that taper to sharp points. The Type 1 by comparison appears rounded and partially closed. Both appear on proof coins with mirror-like fields and frosted devices — they share the same production run of 3,677,175 pieces total, but the Type 2 represents a fraction of that mintage.
The Type 2 is cataloged as FS-501 by CONECA, giving it an official reference designation collectors can cite. In top proof grades, it commands significant premiums: a PR70 DCAM example sold for $3,738 at Heritage Auctions in March 2007. In more typical grades like PR67–PR68, Type 2 examples bring $10–$110, compared to $4–$36 for the Type 1.
Off-center strikes occur when a planchet is not properly positioned over the dies before the press cycles. The coin is then struck with the design shifted laterally, leaving a blank crescent of planchet on one side and a compressed, partially visible design on the other. The degree of misalignment is expressed as a percentage — a 10% off-center means the design shifted 10% of the coin's diameter, while 50% off-center means half the planchet has no design at all.
On the 1979 Kennedy half dollar, off-center strikes are identifiable by their distinctly non-circular appearance and the visible absence of a collar edge on the shifted side. The most valuable examples show a significant off-center percentage — typically 30% or more — while still retaining a readable date. If the date is fully visible on an off-center coin, collector premiums rise substantially because the coin can be definitively attributed to its year.
Value scales sharply with the degree of misalignment: a 10% off-center example in MS61 has been documented selling for more than $560 in specialized error coin auctions, per published sources. Significant examples in the 40–60% range from a confirmed 1979 date attract the strongest bids. Error coin specialists and dealers at shows are often the best buyers for dramatic off-center strikes.
A Doubled Die Obverse error occurs during the die manufacturing process, when the hub — the master tool used to press the design into a working die — makes more than one impression at a slightly different angle or position. The resulting working die then strikes every coin with a doubled image baked permanently into the die itself. This is a true mechanical die error, not to be confused with machine doubling or die chatter, which produces a shelf-like appearance with no collector premium.
On the 1979 Kennedy half dollar, DDO errors show noticeable doubling primarily on Kennedy's portrait, the inscription LIBERTY, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and/or the date. Under a 10× loupe, genuine hub doubling appears as two distinct, separate image elements with a notch or separation between them. Machine doubling by contrast looks like a flattened, shelf-like extension with no depth or space between the doubled elements.
The value of a DDO depends heavily on the strength of the doubling and the coin's overall condition. Visible-to-the-naked-eye doubling commands the highest premiums, while loupe-only examples bring more modest but still meaningful collector interest. Published market data places DDO 1979 half dollars in the $50–$200+ range across circulated and lower uncirculated grades.
A broadstrike occurs when the retaining collar — the cylindrical ring that surrounds the planchet during striking and controls the coin's final diameter and edge — is missing or fails to engage properly. Without collar restraint, metal flows outward under the force of the press, producing a coin that is visibly wider and thinner than a normal specimen. The design becomes spread across a larger surface area, and the edge reeding is absent or only partially present.
On the 1979 Kennedy half dollar, broadstrikes are identified by their clearly wider diameter compared to the standard 30.61mm, the absence of normal reeding on the edge, and a slightly flattened appearance to the relief elements — the coin looks like it was gently squashed outward. The high-relief elements of Kennedy's portrait may appear slightly weaker due to the spread of metal. The coin will also weigh close to normal since no material is missing — just distributed differently.
Broadstrikes are among the more accessible 1979 half dollar errors and thus carry more modest premiums than the wrong planchet or significant off-center strikes. A well-struck broadstrike example graded MS65 has been documented selling for approximately $20 in the error coin market, with higher-grade examples or particularly dramatic spreads commanding more.
Die breaks occur when the hardened steel die used to strike coins develops cracks or fractures from the stress of repeated high-pressure strikes. As the die continues striking coins after breaking, the fractured area collapses slightly, creating a raised blob or irregular lump of extra metal on the struck coin. A "CUD" specifically refers to a die break at the coin's rim that extends into the design field, producing a raised, featureless blob that replaces design detail at the coin's edge.
On the 1979 Kennedy half dollar, die breaks have been documented showing cracks running across Kennedy's portrait or across the reverse design elements. On the reverse, breaks near the eagle or the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR are the most commonly encountered. The raised nature of die break metal is diagnostic — it always appears raised above the coin's field surface, never recessed, because it represents missing die material that allowed the planchet metal to flow into the void.
The value of a die break depends on its size, location, and clarity. A dramatic CUD error at the rim that obliterates a substantial portion of the design — say, 5–10% of the coin's surface — commands significantly more than a hairline internal crack. Collector interest in die break errors has grown steadily as the hobby increasingly embraces mechanical error varieties alongside traditional condition collecting.
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| Mint / Facility | Mint Mark | Mintage | Strike Type | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (no P mark) | 68,312,000 | Business Strike | General circulation |
| Denver | D | 15,815,422 | Business Strike | General circulation |
| San Francisco | S (Type 1 Filled S) | 3,677,175 (combined) | Proof | Proof sets only |
| San Francisco | S (Type 2 Clear S) | Subset of 3,677,175 | Proof | Proof sets only |
| Total Struck (all facilities) | ~87,804,597 | Business strikes + proofs | ||
Condition is the single most important value factor for common-date Kennedy half dollars. A coin that grades MS67 can be worth hundreds of times more than the same date in MS64. Here's what to look for at each major grade tier.
Kennedy's hair above the ear is flat and lacks detail. The cheekbone shows smooth wear. High points on both obverse and reverse are worn flat. The eagle's feathers on the reverse show minimal separation. Most coin found in change or old jars fall here. Value: approximately $1 — typically worth face value or just above.
Light wear on the high points only — Kennedy's hair above the ear and cheekbone show slight flatness but retain most detail. The reverse eagle's breast feathers show light contact. AU coins retain traces of original mint luster in the recesses. Value: $1–$4 for most examples. High-end AU with full luster traces can approach lower uncirculated values.
No wear at all — the coin has never circulated. The challenge with 1979 Kennedy half dollars is that the Mint's production quality was often "mushy," with softly struck centers and heavy bag marks from bulk handling. MS60–MS63 examples show many contact marks; MS64–MS65 have fewer but are still not premium. Value: $4–$30 depending on the specific grade.
Exceptional preservation with sharp strike, full luster, and minimal contact marks. MS66 examples are scarcer but still exist in the thousands. MS67 is a true condition rarity with approximately 100 examples known for the Philadelphia issue per PCGS. MS68 is the finest known grade with very few examples — the $5,750 and $4,100 auction records were achieved at this level.
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The right venue depends on your coin's value tier. A worn circulated example belongs in a different marketplace than a certified MS67 or a confirmed error coin.
The world's largest numismatic auctioneer. Best for high-grade certified coins (MS66+) and rare error varieties like the wrong planchet or significant off-center strikes. Heritage has set the top auction records for the 1979 Kennedy half dollar including the $4,113 MS64 sale and the $3,738 PR70 DCAM Type 2 proof. Expect a buyer's premium of 15–20% on the hammer price.
The largest secondary market for circulated and mid-grade uncirculated Kennedy half dollars. Recent 1979 Kennedy half dollar sold prices and current listings show the active market for MS65–MS66 examples ranging from $15–$75. Best for coins not worth major auction house fees. List with clear, well-lit photos and a specific grade if ANACS or ICG certified.
The fastest, easiest option for common circulated examples and most uncirculated coins below MS66. Expect wholesale prices — a dealer will pay 50–70% of retail to make a margin. Ideal for lots, rolls, or proof sets rather than individual coins. Ask multiple dealers for quotes before selling, as prices vary significantly. Local dealers can also help authenticate suspected errors before you invest in formal grading.
Reddit's r/CoinSales and r/Coins communities allow peer-to-peer sales to knowledgeable collectors. You'll typically achieve retail-adjacent prices without auction fees. Best for mid-range certified coins and interesting error pieces where collector appeal drives the price. Always post high-resolution photos and disclose any known issues. Build transaction history before selling higher-value items.
Most circulated 1979 Kennedy half dollars are worth around $1 — close to face value. Uncirculated examples (MS60–MS64) typically fetch $4–$15. Higher mint-state grades like MS66 can bring $35–$75, while MS67 examples have sold for $250–$650. The rare MS68 Philadelphia coin sold for around $4,100 at Heritage Auctions, and a 1979-D in MS68 sold for $5,750. Error coins and the 1979-S Type 2 proof carry additional premiums.
Circulated 1979-D Kennedy half dollars are worth around $1. In uncirculated condition, MS60–MS64 pieces typically bring $4–$15. MS65 examples sell for $20–$30, MS66 for $40–$75, and MS67 for $250–$650. The top confirmed auction sale for a 1979-D is $5,750 for an MS68-graded example sold in February 2023. The Denver issue had a lower mintage of 15,815,422 versus Philadelphia's 68,312,000, making high-grade survivors scarcer.
Both are San Francisco proof coins, but they differ in their 'S' mintmark appearance. Type 1 (Filled S) has a blob-like, partially closed 'S' because the mintmark punch was worn and clogged. Type 2 (Clear S) features a sharp, distinct 'S' with open loops from a redesigned punch. Type 1 is more common; Type 2 is significantly scarcer. Type 1 proof values range $4–$36, while Type 2 proofs bring $10–$110, with top examples reaching higher at auction.
No. The 1979 Kennedy half dollar is made of copper-nickel clad — 75% copper and 25% nickel on the outer layers over a pure copper core. The U.S. Mint switched Kennedy half dollars from 40% silver clad to copper-nickel clad in 1971. The 1979 coins have no silver content and no precious metal melt value. Their value comes entirely from numismatic factors — condition, mint mark, and error varieties.
The most valuable 1979 half dollar error is the Wrong Planchet strike, where a Kennedy half dollar die struck a Susan B. Anthony dollar planchet. Confirmed sales have reached $1,725 or more. Off-center strikes at 50% or more off can bring $100–$560+. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) errors with clear doubling on Kennedy's portrait and motto can fetch $50–$200+. Die break/CUD errors and broadstrikes typically add modest premiums of $20–$100.
Look at the 'S' mintmark on the obverse above Kennedy's shoulder using a 10× loupe. The Type 2 'S' has clearly open, distinct loops at the top and bottom with crisp, well-defined serifs — it looks like a normal letter S. The Type 1 'S' appears filled, blobby, or partially closed, with rounded serifs blending together. Both are proof coins, so both have mirror-like fields. The Type 2 is scarcer and cataloged as FS-501 by CONECA.
The 1979 Kennedy half dollar was struck at three facilities. Philadelphia (no mint mark) produced 68,312,000 coins. Denver (D mintmark) produced 15,815,422 coins. San Francisco (S mintmark) struck 3,677,175 proof-only coins in two varieties: Type 1 Filled S and Type 2 Clear S. Philadelphia coins have no 'P' mintmark because the Mint didn't begin using 'P' on half dollars until 1980.
An MS68 Philadelphia 1979 half dollar is extremely rare — PCGS notes very few examples exist at that grade with none graded higher. Auction data shows an MS68 example sold for approximately $4,100 at Heritage Auctions. The 1979-D in MS68 set a higher bar with a confirmed $5,750 sale in February 2023. For context, the same coin in MS66 typically brings $35–$75, demonstrating the dramatic premium for top-pop condition coins.
As a date, the 1979 half dollar is not rare — over 87.8 million were struck across Philadelphia and Denver. Most circulated examples are worth face value or close to it. However, certain specimens are genuinely scarce: coins grading MS67 or higher are condition rarities with fewer than approximately 100 known examples at that grade for the Philadelphia issue. The 1979-S Type 2 Clear S proof and major error coins are also legitimately scarce collectibles.
Grading is generally worthwhile if your coin might grade MS67 or higher (Philadelphia or Denver) or if it appears to be the 1979-S Type 2 Clear S proof. At MS66 and below, grading fees typically exceed the coin's value premium. Error coins — particularly wrong planchet errors, significant off-center strikes, or doubled die varieties — should always be authenticated before selling. PCGS and NGC are the two major third-party grading services recommended by serious collectors.
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