Price Guide for 1979 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $748.00 – $1,948.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $4,113.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $320.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $4,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4.00 – $2,702.50
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eBayCirculated: $15.00Uncirculated: $3.58 – $5,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,208.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $294.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $50.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $3,738.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.49Uncirculated: $2.24 – $1,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11.00 – $150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $38.88
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eBayUncirculated: $29.00 – $201.50
Design and Specifications of the 1979 Half Dollar
The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. This year marked the 16th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar, and the coin maintained its status as a popular denomination, though its use in circulation was declining due to the prevalence of quarter dollars and the discontinued use of silver in its composition.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (clad over pure copper core) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Modified Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1979 Kennedy Half Dollars. Circulated examples are generally worth only face value, while uncirculated coins can command a premium. The highest grades, such as MS67 and above for circulation strikes or PR70 for proofs, are significantly more valuable due to their scarcity.
Factors like sharp strike details, full luster, and absence of contact marks contribute to higher grades and, consequently, higher values. Coins with attractive, natural toning can also be more desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 69,382,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade examples
Mintage: 20,579,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,677,175
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for perfect PR70 examples
While the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar is generally common, certain factors can increase its value:
1. High-grade examples: MS67 and above for circulation strikes, or PR70 for proofs, are scarce and valuable.
2. Full Steps: Coins with fully defined steps on Monticello (on the reverse) are more desirable.
3. Error coins: Although no major errors are known for this year, any discovered mint errors could be valuable.
4. Original mint sets or proof sets: Coins still in their original government packaging may command a small premium.
5. Exceptional eye appeal: Coins with outstanding luster or attractive toning can be more valuable to collectors.
