The 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most found in collections are common, certain clear-strike varieties and pristine condition Deep Cameo examples can fetch significant premiums from serious coin collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3 – $5
PR 69 Deep Cameo (DCAM)	$15 – $25
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$150 – $400
Rare Error Varieties	$50 – $1,000+

Understanding the 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar

If you have recently inherited a coin collection or found a shiny half dollar in a drawer, you might be looking at a piece of history. In 1979, the United States Mint produced two distinct varieties of the proof “S” mint mark. To accurately determine your coin’s worth, using a top coin identifier app is the quickest way to distinguish between the common and rare versions.

The 1979-S Type 1 is often referred to as the “Filled S” variety. Because the minting dies were used extensively, the “S” mint mark on these coins often appears blurred, blob-like, or “filled in.” Most of these coins were sold in official Mint Sets and were never intended for general circulation. If you use CoinKnow, you’ll see that these coins have a copper-nickel clad composition, not silver.

Because these were struck as “Proofs,” they feature a mirror-like background and frosted details. However, the quality of the “S” mark is what defines the Type 1. While millions were produced, very few remain in perfect, flawless condition. If yours looks like it just came out of the mint, it might be worth more than the standard melting or face value.

Feature	Description
Mint Mark	“S” (San Francisco)
Type 1 Appearance	Filled or Blobby “S”
Composition	75% Copper, 25% Nickel over Copper Core
Weight	11.34 Grams

The Price Difference: Type 1 vs. Type 2

The main driver of the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar price charts is the distinction between the Type 1 (Filled S) and the Type 2 (Clear S). Toward the end of 1979, the Mint replaced the worn-out “S” punch with a new, clearer version. The Type 2 is generally more desirable because it was produced in smaller quantities and represents a higher quality strike.

Most casual collectors have the Type 1. If you look closely at the mint mark above the date, a Type 1 “S” looks like a solid rectangular blob with little to no internal space in the loops. In contrast, the Type 2 “S” has clear, defined openings in the top and bottom loops of the letter. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in and compare the details.

While the Type 1 is less rare, it is still a vital part of a complete Kennedy Half Dollar set. High-grade examples that receive a “Deep Cameo” designation from professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can still command high prices at auction. The ultimate value depends entirely on how well the coin has been preserved over the last four decades.

Current Market Value and Grading Standards

When checking the 1979-S half dollar value and rarity, you will notice that “Grade” is everything. For coins that were never used in stores, we use a scale from 60 to 70. A PR65 is a standard proof with some minor marks, while a PR70 is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under magnification.

Most 1979-S Type 1 coins found in original plastic mint packaging will grade around PR67 or PR68. These are common and usually sell for $5 to $10. However, the price jumps significantly if the coin is a PR70 Deep Cameo. This means the contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted portrait of JFK is exceptionally sharp.

If you find a coin that has been taken out of its case and handled, it may have “hairlines” or scratches. These imperfections drop the value down to practically just a few dollars. Collectors pay for perfection. Before you spend money on professional grading, use CoinKnow to get a baseline idea of whether your coin is worth the investment.

Grade Designation	Typical Price
Proof (No Cameo)	$2 – $4
Cameo (Moderate Frost)	$5 – $12
Deep Cameo (Heavy Frost)	$15 – $1,500+ (depending on grade)

How to Identify the Filled S Mint Mark

Identifying the 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar requires a good magnifying glass or a jewelry loupe. Look at the area right above the center of the date “1979.” You will see the small “S” indicating it was struck in San Francisco. If the “S” looks like it has been squashed or if the loops are filled with metal, you have a Type 1.

The Type 1 is the result of a punch that had been used so many times it began to deteriorate. The edges of the “S” are rounded and soft. Many newcomers mistake this for an error, but in reality, it was the standard production for most of the year. It is considered a “variety” rather than a “mint error,” but it’s still very collectible.

If you see a very sharp “S” with bulbous ends and clear, circular holes in the middle of the letter, you’ve found a Type 2. The Type 2 is generally worth about 20% to 50% more than the Type 1 in similar grades. Keeping your coin in a protective flip or a hard plastic case is essential to maintaining whatever value it currently holds.

Is Your 1979-S Half Dollar Silver?

One of the most common questions from everyday Americans is whether their 1979-S half dollar is silver. Unfortunately, the answer is no. The United States Mint stopped using 90% silver for Kennedy Half Dollars in 1964 and removed the 40% silver content after 1970. The 1979-S Type 1 is a clad coin made of copper and nickel.

You can verify this by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a strip of orange or brown copper color, it is a standard clad coin. While silver coins are inherently valuable for their metal content, clad coins like the 1979-S rely entirely on their “numismatic” or collector value. This means condition and rarity are the only things that drive the price up.

Even though it isn’t silver, the 1979-S remains a favorite for those building “Year Sets.” Because 1979 was a year of transition for the Mint logo, having both the Type 1 and Type 2 varieties is a goal for many enthusiasts. If your coin is part of a full 1979 Proof Set, it is usually better to keep the set together rather than breaking it apart.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-S is Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Look at the “S” mint mark under magnification. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks like a blob with no clear holes in the loops. The Type 2 “Clear S” has distinct, open loops and a much sharper appearance.

Q: Is the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar rare?

A: No, the Type 1 is not technically rare, as over 3.6 million proof sets were produced that year. However, finding one in a “Perfect” PR70 Deep Cameo grade is extremely rare and those are the coins that sell for hundreds of dollars.

Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 1 in my pocket change?

A: It is very unlikely but possible. Since these were proof coins made for collectors, they aren’t released into circulation. However, sometimes people spend their collections, and these coins end up in the wild. If you find one, it will likely be scratched and worth only its face value of 50 cents.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1979-S Type 1?

A: High-grade examples (PR70 DCAM) have sold at major auctions for over $1,000. Most everyday examples, however, sell for between $3 and $10.