1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar Value and What Collectors Are Paying Today
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The 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in average circulated condition to over $15 in well-preserved proof grades, with top-tier certified examples occasionally reaching $50 or more at auction. If you’ve come across one of these silver-toned coins in an old collection or a box of family keepsakes, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 1979-S Type 1 Different from Other Kennedy Half Dollars?
The 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively as a proof coin — meaning it was never intended for everyday pocket change. What makes the “Type 1” variety particularly interesting to collectors is the mintmark style. The “S” mintmark on Type 1 coins has a filled, blob-like appearance, compared to the crisper, cleaner “S” found on the Type 2 version issued later the same year.
This distinction might seem tiny, but in the coin collecting world, mintmark varieties can make a real difference in value. The Type 1 is actually the more common of the two 1979-S proof varieties, which tends to keep its price more accessible for everyday collectors.
If you’re not sure which variety you have, a coin identifier and value app can help you zoom in on mintmark details and confirm exactly what you’re holding — no magnifying glass required.
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1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Grade
Since this coin was only made in proof format, grading works a little differently than with circulated coins. Proof coins are evaluated on a scale from PR60 to PR70. The higher the grade, the sharper the strike, the more mirror-like the fields, and the fewer the blemishes.
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Here’s a quick look at typical market values:
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| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR60 | Proof, heavily contact marked | $3 – $5 |
| PR63 | Choice Proof, some marks visible | $5 – $8 |
| PR65 | Gem Proof, strong mirrors, few flaws | $8 – $14 |
| PR67 | Superb Proof, nearly flawless | $15 – $30 |
| PR69 | Near Perfect Proof | $40 – $60+ |
| PR70 | Perfect Proof (extremely rare) | $100+ |
For the most up-to-date auction results and certified population data, you can explore current 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar price trends across major grading services to see where the market stands right now.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Worth Grading
Not every 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar needs to be sent to a professional grading service. If your coin came in the original U.S. Mint proof set packaging and has never been touched or removed, it’s already in the best condition it can be. A sealed, original proof set is appealing to many buyers as-is.
However, if you believe your coin might grade PR67 or higher, professional certification through PCGS or NGC can significantly boost its resale value. The cost of grading typically runs $20–$40 per coin, so it only makes sense for coins that could fetch a meaningful premium above the base price.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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CoinKnow is a great tool for getting a quick ballpark on whether your coin is likely worth the grading fee. It gives you real-time coin values and helps you understand the grading tiers without needing to be an expert yourself.
Where to Sell Your 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar
If you’ve decided your coin is worth selling, you have several solid options. eBay remains one of the most active marketplaces for proof Kennedy Half Dollars, with dozens of listings completing each week. You can filter completed sales to see exactly what buyers have actually paid — not just asking prices.
Coin shows and local dealers are another route, especially if you want quick cash without the hassle of shipping. Just be aware that dealers typically offer 50–70% of retail value since they need room to resell.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For a deeper look at what the 1979-S Type 1 is going for in today’s collector market, this guide covering the full 1979 Half Dollar value breakdown by mint and variety is a helpful reference before you decide to sell.
You can also use CoinKnow to scan comparable recent sales and make sure you’re pricing your coin competitively — whether you’re listing online or walking into a dealer’s shop.
Is the 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer is no — not entirely. Unlike earlier Kennedy Half Dollars from 1964 (which were 90% silver) or 1965–1970 (which were 40% silver), the 1979-S proof coin is made of copper-nickel clad. It has no significant melt value based on precious metals.
That said, its value comes entirely from collector demand, proof quality, and variety status — not raw metal content. Even without silver, a well-preserved gem proof example of this coin is a genuine find for Kennedy series collectors. CoinKnow can help you instantly check whether any coin you find contains silver based on its year and mint — a handy feature for anyone sorting through old coin collections.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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FAQ
Q: How many 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollars were made?
A: The 1979-S proof set had a total mintage of approximately 3.6 million sets. The Type 1 variety accounts for the majority of those, making it more common than the Type 2, though both are popular with Kennedy Half Dollar collectors.
Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar in circulation?
A: Almost never. These coins were struck exclusively for proof sets sold directly to collectors, so they were never released into general circulation. If you have one, it almost certainly came from a proof set or a collector’s holdings.
Q: What’s the easiest way to identify the Type 1 vs Type 2 mintmark?
A: The Type 1 “S” mintmark looks slightly filled or blobby, with less definition in the curves of the letter. The Type 2 has a more refined, clear “S” shape. A loupe or magnifying app can help you spot the difference quickly, and tools like a coin identifier and value app can walk you through the comparison step by step.
