The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $3,000 for perfect specimens. While most examples found in old collections are worth a modest premium, identifying the rare “Clear S” mint mark is the secret to finding a real treasure.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Typical Proof)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$35.00 – $50.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$1,500 – $3,500+

Identifying the Rare 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar

If you have discovered a shiny, mirror-like half dollar dated 1979 in a velvet box or a plastic case, you might be holding a Proof coin. In 1979, the United States Mint changed the punch used to create the “S” mint mark mid-year, resulting in two distinct varieties: Type 1 and Type 2. Use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the mint mark and see which one you have. The Type 1, known as the “Filled S,” features a mint mark where the loops of the letter ‘S’ are nearly filled in with metal, looking like a blob.

The Type 2, or “Clear S,” is much more desirable. It features a sharp, well-defined letter ‘S’ with clear round loops and distinct bulbous ends. This subtle change happened late in the production year, making the Type 2 significantly scarcer than its predecessor. To be sure you aren’t missing a hidden gem, you can use CoinKnow to compare your coin’s mint mark against high-resolution reference photos. Identifying this variety is the first step in determining if your pocket change is actually a collector’s prize.

Check the 1979 half dollar value guide to see how these varieties differ in the current market. Generally, the Type 2 will always command a higher price than the Type 1 in the same grade.

Understanding Proof Coin Quality and Condition

The 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar was never intended for general circulation. It was produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors as part of a Proof Set. These coins were struck using specially polished dies and planchets (blanks), giving them a deep, mirror-like background and “frosted” details on the portrait of John F. Kennedy.

Because they were sold in protective sets, most remain in excellent condition. However, if a coin is removed from its case and handled, it can develop scratches, fingerprints, or “toning” (discoloration). Professionals grade these coins on a scale from 1 to 70. A PR 69 (Proof 69) is nearly perfect, while a PR 70 is flawless even under 5x magnification. For those seeking the exact 1979 Kennedy silver half dollar value data (though these are copper-nickel, they are often confused with silver), condition is the primary factor.

High-grade coins are often sealed in plastic “slabs” by grading services like PCGS or NGC. If yours is still in its original government packaging, it is typically worth the standard market rate. If you want a quick second opinion before paying for professional grading, CoinKnow offers AI-driven tools that can help estimate your coin’s eye appeal and potential grade based on photo analysis.

Variety	Mint Mark Appearance	Scarcity
Type 1 (Filled S)	Indistinct, blurred centers	Common
Type 2 (Clear S)	Sharp edges, clear loops	Rare / Desirable

Historical Context: Why Was the Mint Mark Changed?

The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar exists because of the U.S. Mint’s constant effort to improve coin clarity. By 1979, the punches used to mark the dies at the San Francisco Mint were getting worn out. The “S” mark was becoming a featureless blob, which collectors hated. In October 1979, the Mint replaced the old, worn punch with a new, crisp one.

This new punch is what collectors call the “Type 2.” Because it was introduced so late in the year, only a small percentage of the 1979 Proof Sets contain the Type 2 varieties. This applies not just to the half dollar, but to the Susan B. Anthony dollar and other denominations in the 1979 set as well.

Understanding this history helps everyday Americans appreciate why a “regular” looking coin can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It isn’t just about the age; it’s about a specific moment in manufacturing history that created a limited supply. If you’re going through a family inheritance or an old coin jar, keep an eye out for these “late-year” variations.

Value Factors: Why Some Sell for Thousands

You might see 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollars on eBay for $10, and then see a news article about one selling at auction for $3,000. This massive price gap is usually due to “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations and perfect PR 70 grades. A Deep Cameo coin has an extreme contrast—the portrait of JFK looks white and chalky, while the background looks like a black mirror.

When a 1979-S Type 2 Clear S also possesses this incredible Deep Cameo finish and receives a PR 70 grade, it becomes one of just a few hundred known examples in the world. Collectors who want to build a “Registry Set” (a collection of the finest known examples) will pay huge premiums to own a perfect specimen.

For the average person, the easiest way to gauge value is to check recent auction records. Many people mistakenly think their coin is a PR 70 when it is actually a PR 67 or 68. Even a tiny, invisible hairline scratch can drop the value from $2,000 to $20. Using an app like CoinKnow helps enthusiasts learn how to spot these imperfections before they spend money on professional grading fees.

Grade	Type 1 Value	Type 2 Value
PR 67 DCAM	$8	$25
PR 69 DCAM	$15	$55
PR 70 DCAM	$350	$3,200

Where to Sell Your 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar

If you believe you have found a Type 2 variety, you have several options for selling it. For coins that are in excellent condition but not professionally graded, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are the most common routes. Keep in mind that a coin shop will usually offer 50-70% of the book value because they need to make a profit.

If you have a coin that you suspect is a PR 70 (perfect condition), you should consider having it authenticated by PCGS or NGC. Once a coin is certified, it can be sold through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections, where serious investors look for high-end items.

Always take clear, well-lit photos of the obverse, reverse, and a close-up of the “S” mint mark. Buyers want to see that the mint mark is the “Clear S” variety and that the coin’s surfaces are free of milk spots or haze. Providing good documentation is the best way to ensure you get the maximum possible price for your treasure.

FAQ

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

A: No, standard 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollars are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint stopped using 40% silver for standard Kennedy Proofs after 1970. While it looks shiny, its value comes from its rarity and condition, not its metal content.

Q: How can I tell the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 at home?

A: You will need a magnifying glass or a loupe. Look at the “S” mint mark located right above the date. If the centers of the ‘S’ are filled with metal and look fuzzy, it’s a Type 1. If the ‘S’ is sharp with two distinct, clear holes in the loops, it is a Type 2.

Q: Are uncirculated 1979-P or 1979-D half dollars worth anything?

A: Generally, Kennedy Half Dollars from 1979 minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) are only worth their face value of 50 cents if found in loose change. In perfect uncirculated condition, they may be worth $1 to $5, but they do not share the high-value potential of the Type 2 Proof coins.

Q: Does original packaging increase the value?

A: For many collectors, having the “brown box” or the plastic lens of a 1979 Proof Set adds a small amount of value and proves the coin hasn’t been handled. However, if the coin inside is a rare Type 2 in perfect condition, its value far exceeds the set itself, and many collectors choose to “break” the set to get the coin professionaly graded.