The Kennedy half dollar is one of the most popular modern U.S. coin series, and 1979 is a key year that collectors focus on. If you‘re looking to learn more about 1979 half dollar values and varieties, you‘ve come to the right place.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about collecting and valuing 1979 Kennedy half dollars. We‘ll explore the coin‘s history, key features, rare varieties and errors, grading, and more. By the end, you‘ll have the knowledge you need to build a great collection. Let‘s get started!
History and Background of the Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar series began in 1964 following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in late 1963. The nation was in mourning, and Congress quickly authorized the U.S. Mint to replace the Franklin half dollar with a new design honoring the fallen leader.
U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts created Kennedy‘s portrait for the coin‘s obverse based on a Presidential series medal he had already sculpted. The reverse design of the Presidential Seal was by Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro.
The first year of issue in 1964 saw an astonishing mintage of over 430 million coins struck in 90% silver composition. But rising silver prices soon forced the Mint to reduce the coins‘ silver content to 40% in 1965, and remove it entirely by 1971.
By the late 1970s, half dollar usage in commerce had plummeted as rising wages and inflation made smaller denominations more useful for everyday transactions. The Mint struck the coins almost exclusively for collectors by 1979.
1979 Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties and Mintages
The Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities all struck Kennedy half dollars in 1979. Coins minted in Philadelphia feature no mintmark, while the Denver issues are denoted by a "D" and San Francisco by an "S". Here‘s a breakdown of the year‘s varieties and mintages:
- 1979 (P) Kennedy Half: 68,312,000 minted
- 1979-D Kennedy Half: 15,815,422 minted
- 1979-S Proof Kennedy Half (Type 1): 3,677,175 minted
- 1979-S Proof Kennedy Half (Type 2): Mintage unknown
Let‘s take a closer look at each variety:
1979 (P) Kennedy Half Dollar
The Philadelphia Mint struck by far the highest number of half dollars in 1979 at over 68 million pieces. These coins are extremely common in lower circulated grades and are worth only a small premium over face value.
However, pristine, high-grade examples are surprisingly scarce. Coins graded MS66 by PCGS or NGC are valued at around $50, while MS67s can fetch over $4,000. Keep an eye out for pieces with attractive toning or an above-average strike.
1979-D Kennedy Half Dollar
At under 16 million minted, the 1979-D saw the lowest regular production of any Kennedy half dollar to that point. But similar to the 1979 (P), circulated examples are still highly common.
Gem uncirculated specimens are where the 1979-D really shines. The strike quality and luster tend to be superior to its Philadelphia counterpart. PCGS has certified only a single MS67+ to date, an amazing coin that sold for $5,280 in 2015.
1979-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
The San Francisco Mint produced just over 3.6 million Proof Kennedy halves in 1979. These special coins were made using highly polished dies and planchets and struck twice to bring up the detail. They were sold directly to collectors.
The most interesting aspect of this issue is the two varieties of "S" mintmark. Type 1 features a somewhat indistinct mintmark that looks partially filled, while the Type 2 shows a clear and well-defined "S". Type 2 coins are rarer and more valuable in high grades.
According to PCGSCoinFacts, the finest known 1979-S Proof is a single PR70DCAM Type 2 that last sold for $5,405 in 2019. Deep cameo examples in PR69 regularly sell for between $150 and $250.
1979 Kennedy Half Dollar Errors and Varieties
While major errors are very rare on modern coins, a few types of discrepancies can be found on 1979 Kennedy halves. Here are the most significant ones to look for:
1979 Kennedy Half Struck on Wrong Planchet
A wrong planchet error occurs when a coin is struck on a blank intended for a different denomination. For half dollars, this most commonly involves a lower value coin‘s blank being fed into the press by mistake.
In 1979, a small number of half dollars were mistakenly struck on dollar coin-sized planchets intended for the new Susan B. Anthony dollar. These dramatic errors are roughly the diameter of a half dollar but substantially thicker and heavier.
Only a handful are known, and they command strong premiums. A 1979 half struck on an Anthony dollar blank graded MS64 by NGC sold for $3,290 in 2013.
1979 Kennedy Half Struck on Foreign Planchet
Even more rare are half dollars struck on planchets intended for foreign coins. One famous example is a 1979 Kennedy half overstruck on a 1978 Mexico 100 Pesos coin. This one-of-a-kind mint error sold for $4,750 in a 2017 Heritage Auction.
1979 Kennedy Half Double Struck
A double strike error happens when a coin is struck, fails to eject from the press, and is struck again. The second strike is typically off-center and weaker than the first.
An impressive double struck 1979-D Kennedy half graded MS64 by NGC sold in 2020 for $1,860. The coin shows a clear and well-centered primary strike with a bold secondary impression at 2:00.
1979 Kennedy Half Broad Strike
Broad struck coins are created when the retaining collar die fails and the blank spreads too wide under the force of the strike. The resulting coin will have an abnormally large diameter with weakness at the rims.
While broad strikes aren‘t especially rare, they are quite popular with collectors. A 1979 (P) broad strike graded MS65 by NGC realized $253 in a recent auction.
Grading 1979 Kennedy Half Dollars
As we‘ve seen, grade has a huge impact on the value of 1979 Kennedy half dollars. But what exactly determines a coin‘s grade? Let‘s break it down.
Coin grading companies like PCGS and NGC use the Sheldon Scale to assign grades ranging from 1 to 70. Grades from 1 to 59 indicate a circulated coin, while 60 to 70 is uncirculated. The higher the number, the better the condition.
Some key factors coin graders look at include:
- Wear: How much of the original detail has been lost to circulation? Higher points like Kennedy‘s cheek and hair tend to wear down first.
- Luster: Uncirculated coins should have full, original luster – the flowlined "cartwheel" effect caused by light reflecting off the die flow lines.
- Marks: Grades in the uncirculated range are assigned based on the number and severity of marks. These include contact marks from handling, bag marks from jostling against other coins, and any scratches.
- Eye appeal: Graders also consider the overall look of the coin including color, toning, and strike. Exceptional eye appeal can lead to a higher grade.
Generally, half dollars graded MS65 and under will have some visible marks and/or a lackluster strike. In MS66, you can expect very minimal marks and a decent strike. By MS67, the coin should be virtually pristine with a sharp strike and full luster.
Tips on Collecting and Investing in 1979 Kennedy Half Dollars
Armed with a better understanding of 1979 half dollar varieties, values, and grading, are you considering starting a collection? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Don‘t bother with circulated coins. Unless they‘re a rare error, heavily worn examples aren‘t worth your time and money. Focus on uncirculated specimens.
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Zero in on quality. A high-grade certified 1979 half dollar is much more desirable and valuable than a low-end one. Spend more initially for a superior coin that will appreciate better.
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Specializing pays off. Instead of trying to acquire every date and mintmark, consider going for a tougher variety like the 1979-S Type 2 Proof in high grade. You‘ll have an easier time finding great coins while potentially building a more valuable set.
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Stick with PCGS and NGC. These are the most reputable grading companies whose opinions are universally respected. Avoid lesser-known slabs that often overgrade.
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Buy the coin, not the holder. Don‘t pay a high premium for an average coin just because it‘s in an old PCGS "rattler" or NGC "fatty" holder. Ultimately, the coin inside is what matters.
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Be patient. Assembling a high-grade 1979 half dollar set will require time. Wait for the right coins at the right prices to come along. Overpaying for subpar pieces is an easy way to get frustrated and underperform financially.
FAQs About 1979 Half Dollars
Q: Are 1979 Kennedy half dollars silver?
A: No, Kennedy halves dated 1971 and later contain no silver. They are made from a copper-nickel clad composition.
Q: How much is a 1979 half dollar worth?
A: A worn 1979 half dollar is worth only face value, 50 cents. Uncirculated examples range from a few dollars to over $5,000 based on grade and variety.
Q: What makes the 1979-S Type 2 Proof half dollar valuable?
A: The Type 2 has a much clearer and bolder "S" mintmark than the Type 1. It‘s also significantly scarcer in high grades, making it desirable to Kennedy half dollar variety collectors.
Q: Is the 1979 Kennedy half still in production today?
A: Yes, the U.S. Mint still produces Kennedy half dollars featuring the original 1964 designs. However, the coins are no longer minted for circulation and are only available to collectors directly from the Mint.
1979 Kennedy Half Dollars: A Key Modern Issue
I hope this guide has given you valuable insight into collecting 1979 Kennedy half dollars. While the series is widely collected, many hobbyists are unaware of the scarce varieties and condition rarities that make certain 1979 issues so desirable.
By understanding how to grade these coins and focusing your efforts on high-quality pieces, you‘ll be well ahead of the pack. The 1979 half dollars offer a little something for everyone, from affordable mint state examples to five-figure rarities.
Do you have a favorite 1979 variety or error? Have you made any noteworthy bulk discoveries from bank boxes? I‘d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Until next time,
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