1979 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guide

The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is a copper-nickel clad coin featuring the iconic profiles designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. While common in circulation, high-grade specimens and specific mint marks like the 'S' Type II proof remain highly sought after by numismatists.

What Is 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth?

The typical price range for 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is $1 - $1 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mint state condition: Uncirculated coins with a high Sheldon scale rating (MS65+) command prices above the standard $0.50 face value.
• Mint mark variety: San Francisco 'S' proof coins generally hold higher value than standard 'P' or 'D' circulation strikes.
• Surface preservation: The absence of contact marks, scratches, or heavy toning significantly impacts the market price for collectors.
• Type II Proof distinction: For 1979-S proofs, the Type II 'Clear S' variety is rarer and more valuable than the Type I 'Filled S' version.

How to Identify 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar?

• Check the mint mark located above the date: 'P' for Philadelphia, 'D' for Denver, or 'S' for San Francisco.
• Verify the composition is copper-nickel clad, which will show a distinct copper stripe along the edge of the coin.
• Examine proof sets for the 'Clear S' (Type II) mint mark, which features a more defined and bulbous 'S' compared to the 'Filled S' (Type I).
• Look for the designer initials 'GR' on the truncation of the neck and 'FG' under the eagle's right wing on the reverse.

History of 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. Designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, early issues from 1964 were 90% silver; from 1965–1970 the coins used 40% silver in special issues and circulation pieces varied. By 1971 the coin transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition for regular circulation. The design has remained largely unchanged and continues as the standard U.S. half dollar.