1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar Value: Guide for Beginners

The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $8 in average proof condition to over $5,000 for perfect high-grade specimens. If you have found a shiny 1979 half dollar with an “S” mint mark, you may be sitting on a valuable collector’s item.

Identification: Is Your 1979-S Half Dollar a Type 1 or Type 2?

In 1979, the San Francisco Mint updated the “S” mint mark punch mid-year, creating two distinct varieties for collectors to hunt. If you’ve just pulled a shiny coin from a drawer, using a free coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see which version you have. The Type 1 variety features a “Filled S,” where the mint mark looks blob-like and the loops of the letter are nearly closed.

The more coveted 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar features a “Clear S.” This mint mark is much sharper, with well-defined loops and bulbous ends. It is significantly rarer than the Type 1 because it was introduced late in the production cycle. When using CoinKnow, you can compare high-resolution images to verify the crisp edges of the Type 2 mark. Determining which variety you own is the first step in understanding the potential profit you might make from a sale.

Understanding the Market for Proof Kennedy Half Dollars

Unlike the coins you find in your pocket change, 1979-S half dollars were only struck as “Proofs.” These were specially made for collectors, featuring mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details. Because they weren’t meant for circulation, most remain in relatively good condition. However, the price difference between a “good” proof and a “perfect” proof is massive.

Checking the latest 1979 Kennedy half dollar prices reveals that while millions of these were minted, only a tiny fraction receives the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC. A Deep Cameo coin has a stark contrast between the white, frosted portrait of JFK and the deep, black-looking mirror fields. Most everyday Americans who find these in old sets will find they are worth about the price of a nice lunch, but top-tier gems are a different story entirely.

What Factors Influence the 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar Value?

The most significant factor in price is the numerical grade. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. For a proof coin from 1979, anything below a 68 is considered “average.” Modern collectors are incredibly picky; they want perfection. If your coin has even a tiny hairline scratch from being wiped with a cloth, its value could drop significantly.

According to current 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy half dollar value information, a perfect PR70 specimen is the “Holy Grail” for this year. These are coins that show no imperfections even under 5x magnification. If you suspect your coin is flawless, CoinKnow can help you find professional grading services to certify your find. Remember, never clean your coins! Even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that ruin the “Deep Cameo” finish and destroy the premium value.

The “Clear S” Visual Guide: How to Spot the Type 2

If you are looking at the mint mark through a magnifying glass, look for several key indicators. On the Type 1 (Filled S), the center of the ‘S’ is almost completely obscured by extra metal. It looks like a distorted “8” or a textured blob. On the Type 2 (Clear S), the ‘S’ stands out proudly. The fields inside the top and bottom loops of the letter are clear and deep.

The serifs (the little feet at the ends of the letter) are also bulbous and separated from the rest of the letter in the Type 2 version. Many people find these coins in “1979 Proof Sets” which contain a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and a Susan B. Anthony dollar. If the dollar in that same set is also a Type 2 (Clear S), the entire set value increases. It is always worth checking all the coins in a set if you find a 1979-S Type 2 half dollar.

Selling Your 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar

Once you’ve identified your coin using CoinKnow and determined it is likely a Type 2 variety, you might wonder where to sell it. For coins worth $10–$30, online auction sites like eBay are often the best bet. If you believe you have a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo coin worth hundreds or thousands, you should contact a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers.

Be realistic about the condition. Most “found” coins have been handled or kept in less-than-ideal conditions. High-value coins are almost always slabbed in plastic by a grading service. If your coin is loose (raw), it is unlikely to fetch the top-tier prices seen in record-breaking auctions. However, even a raw Type 2 is a great piece of history and a fantastic “cherrypick” for any casual collector.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1979-S Half Dollar made of silver?

A: No, the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar is not made of silver. It is a copper-nickel clad coin. The last 40% silver half dollars intended for collectors were minted in 1976 (Bicentennial) and 1970.

Q: How many 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollars were minted?

A: While the exact mintage of the Type 2 isn’t recorded separately, experts estimate that only about 15-20% of the 3.6 million proof coins minted in 1979 were the Type 2 variety.

Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 2 in pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare but possible. Proof coins are sometimes “broken out” of their sets and spent by mistake. These are called “Impaired Proofs.” Because they have scratches from circulation, they are usually only worth their 50-cent face value or a small premium to a curious collector.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar?

A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold for over $5,000 at major auctions. These coins must be absolutely flawless under high-power magnification to reach such prices.