The 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $0.50 in circulated condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. While most coins found in change are only worth their face value, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can fetch a significant premium from collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.50 – $0.75
About Uncirculated (AU58)	$1.00 – $2.50
Uncirculated (MS63)	$5.00 – $12.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	$25.00 – $45.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS67+)	$500 – $1,200+

History and Significance of the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar

If you’ve recently sorted through a jar of old change and found a half dollar featuring John F. Kennedy, you aren’t alone. Many Americans kept these coins as mementos of the fallen president. To determine if yours is a hidden treasure, you can use the top coin identifier app to get an instant reading of its variety.

The 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the Denver Mint during a time when the United States had fully transitioned away from silver in its circulating half dollars. By 1971, the composition changed to a copper-nickel clad. This means your 1973-D coin does not contain any actual silver, unlike the versions minted between 1964 and 1970.

Because the Denver Mint produced nearly 80 million of these coins, they remain incredibly common today. Most of them have spent decades in bank vaults or circulation, leading to scratches and dull surfaces. However, for a serious collector, the appeal lies in finding one that looks like it just rolled off the minting press yesterday. Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common pocket change find and a high-grade investment piece.

Understanding the Value of a 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar

When assessing the price, the most important factor is the grade. Since these coins are made of base metal, they only gain significant value when they are in “Mint State” (MS). A coin that has been used to buy groceries is likely only worth its face value of fifty cents.

However, professional grading can change everything. A 1973-D half dollar in MS67 condition is a rarity because the high-speed minting process usually leaves tiny nicks and “bag marks” on the coin’s surface. Finding one without these blemishes is the goal of every numismatist. You can check the current market trends for 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar mint state prices to see how much collectors are currently paying for these pristine examples.

Because so many were made, the market is very picky. A slight difference in luster or the sharpness of Kennedy’s hair can result in a price jump from $10 to $500. For everyday people, checking your coin with the CoinKnow app is a great way to start identifying if your coin has that “brilliant uncirculated” shine that buyers crave.

Mint Mark	Mintage Weight	Composition
D (Denver)	77,756,000	75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a Copper Core

Identifying Rare Errors and Varieties

While the standard 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar is common, error hunters look for specific mistakes made during the minting process. One of the most famous (though rare for this year) is the “Double Die” error. This occurs when the coin die is struck twice with a slight offset, creating a doubled appearance on the letters or numbers.

Another interesting variety to look for is the “No FG” error. Normally, the initials “FG” (for designer Frank Gasparro) appear on the reverse side between the eagle’s tail and its right leg. On some coins, over-polishing of the die caused these letters to disappear. While more common in other years, a 1973-D with a missing “FG” can be a nice find for a specialized collector.

If you suspect your coin has an error, pay close attention to the fine details. For more information on what to look for, you can browse this guide on identifying rare 1973-D half dollar errors. Error coins are often worth ten to twenty times more than their standard counterparts, making them the “holy grail” for casual hunters.

Error Type	Visual Identifier	Potential Value
Double Die Obverse	Blurry or thick lettering in “IN GOD WE TRUST”	$20 – $100
Clipped Planchet	A crescent-shaped piece missing from the edge	$15 – $50
Off-Center Strike	The design is shifted, leaving a blank area	$50 – $250+

1973-D vs. Other Kennedy Half Dollars

By 1973, the U.S. Mint had three locations producing half dollars: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The Denver coins, like yours, were intended for general circulation. The San Francisco coins were “Proofs,” specially made with a mirror-like finish exclusively for collectors.

It is important for beginners to realize that the 1973-D does not contain silver. Many people mistakenly believe that all “old” half dollars are silver. In reality, the silver content was removed from the half dollar starting in 1971. If you have a 1964 Kennedy, it is 90% silver; if you have one from 1965-1970, it is 40% silver.

The CoinKnow app can help you keep track of these metallic differences. Knowing the composition is the first step in understanding why a 1973-D might be worth $0.50 while a 1964-D is worth nearly $10 just for its metal content. Even without silver, the 1973-D holds its own in the hobby due to its place in the historical Kennedy series.

Tips for Selling Your 1973-D Half Dollar

If you believe you have a high-value 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar, your next step should be preservation. Do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can create microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural toning and luster the coin has developed over time.

Once you’ve confirmed the potential value using the links and tools provided, consider getting the coin “slabbed” or graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC if you think it is in MS66 condition or higher. For most “average” looking 1973-D coins, the best place to sell is a local coin shop or via online marketplaces like eBay.

Always remember that the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar is a high-volume coin. To get the best price, you need to find a buyer who is looking for a specific grade to fill a gap in their collection. Taking clear, high-resolution photos of both sides of the coin will help you attract serious buyers who can appreciate the quality of your find.

Selling Channel	Best For…	Pros/Cons
Local Coin Shop	Fast cash, low-mid value coins	Pro: Instant payment; Con: Lower offers
Online Auctions (eBay)	Market value for specific grades	Pro: Large audience; Con: Fees and shipping
Heritage Auctions	Very high grade (MS67+) error coins	Pro: Top dollar; Con: Long wait time

FAQ

Q: Is the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?

A: No, the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver in circulating half dollars after 1970.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1973 half dollar?

A: On the 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar, the mint mark is located on the obverse (front) side. Look just above the date, between Kennedy’s neck and the year. A “D” stands for Denver, while no mark indicates Philadelphia.

Q: What is the most expensive 1973-D half dollar ever sold?

A: The record price for a 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar is over $1,200 for a specimen graded MS68 by a professional grading service. These elite grades are extremely difficult to find in wild circulation.

Q: Should I spend my 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar?

A: If the coin is heavily scratched or worn, it is likely only worth its face value of $0.50, and you can spend it without worry. However, if it looks brand new and shiny, it’s worth keeping or having appraised by a professional.