Is a 1979 Half Dollar Worth Anything?
Uncover the potential worth of your 1979 half dollar. Understand the nuances of numismatic value and how to evaluate your coin's unique characteristics.
A 1979 half dollar, commonly known as a Kennedy half dollar, is often found in circulation. While most of these coins are worth their face value of fifty cents, certain conditions or specific characteristics can significantly increase their appeal to collectors. Understanding the factors that determine coin value is essential for assessing any particular specimen.
Factors Determining Coin Value
The condition, or grade, of a coin is a primary determinant of its value. Coins are categorized as either circulated, showing signs of wear from everyday use, or uncirculated, meaning they have retained their original mint luster and detail. Uncirculated coins, especially those in higher grades, command a higher premium than their circulated counterparts.
Mint marks, small letters indicating where a coin was produced, also play a significant role. Common mint marks include “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. A coin’s rarity, often tied to its mintage figures or the number of surviving examples, can increase its desirability among collectors. Errors and varieties, which are deviations from the standard manufacturing process like double dies or off-center strikes, are highly sought after and can enhance a coin’s worth.
Assessing Your 1979 Half Dollar
Most 1979 Kennedy half dollars in circulation are worth their fifty-cent face value. This is due to their high mintage numbers, with tens of millions produced for circulation that year. The 1979 half dollar was produced at three different mints, each identifiable by its mint mark.
Coins produced in Philadelphia in 1979 do not carry a mint mark. Half dollars from the Denver Mint bear a “D” mint mark and, while having a lower mintage than Philadelphia, are still common. San Francisco produced proof coins, identified by an “S” mint mark, which were intended for collectors and are found in better condition. Within the 1979 “S” proof coins, there are two varieties: the “filled S” (Type 1) and the rarer “clear S” (Type 2), with the latter being more valuable.
An uncirculated 1979 half dollar, especially one displaying strong luster and minimal imperfections, will be worth more than a circulated example. An uncirculated 1979-D half dollar can be valued significantly higher for top-tier specimens. Specific errors can elevate value substantially, such as a 1979 Kennedy half dollar struck on a planchet intended for a Susan B. Anthony dollar, which can fetch a high price due to its smaller size. Another rare error involves off-center strikes, where the coin’s design is not perfectly centered.
Professional Valuation and Selling
If you believe your 1979 half dollar might possess significant value, careful handling is important to preserve its condition. Always hold coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils, and never clean a coin, as this can diminish its numismatic value. Store coins in proper, non-PVC holders to protect them.
For a definitive assessment, seeking a professional appraisal from a reputable coin dealer or a professional grading service like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is advisable. These services provide expert evaluation and authentication, assigning a standardized grade that impacts market value. Once a coin has been professionally graded, selling options include local coin shops, online auction platforms, or numismatic shows.