The 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in lightly circulated condition to over $15 or more in pristine proof grades, with top-tier examples occasionally fetching $25 or higher at auction. If you found one of these coins in an old collection or a proof set, you might be sitting on something more valuable than you think.
What Makes the 1979-S Type 1 Different
The 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar was struck exclusively as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint, meaning it was never released for everyday circulation. The “S” mintmark tells you where it was made, but the real story here is the “Type 1” designation.
In 1979, the San Francisco Mint used two different mintmark styles on its proof coins. The Type 1 mintmark has a filled, blobby appearance — it almost looks like the “S” is slightly blurred or filled in. The Type 2 mintmark, introduced later in the year, features a cleaner, sharper “S.”
This distinction matters more than you might expect. Type 1 coins are actually the more common of the two varieties, which means they tend to be slightly less sought-after by specialists. Still, both types have a solid collector base, and the 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar remains a popular addition to any proof set collection.
If you’re not sure which type you have, a free coin identifier app can help you get started — just snap a photo and let the technology do the heavy lifting.
1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Grade
Since this coin was only made as a proof, you won’t be grading it the same way you would a circulated coin. Proof coins are graded on a PR (Proof) scale rather than the standard MS (Mint State) scale. The higher the proof grade, the more mirror-like and perfect the coin’s surfaces appear.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar:
| Grade | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR 65 | $5 – $8 | Typical proof set quality |
| PR 67 | $10 – $15 | Above average, few contact marks |
| PR 68 | $15 – $25 | High-end example, strong cameo contrast |
| PR 69 / PR 70 | $25 – $50+ | Near-perfect, professional graded only |
For the most up-to-date figures, you can check live 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar price data across recent sales and auction records to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
Cameo and Deep Cameo Designations Add Extra Value
One thing a lot of new collectors don’t realize is that proof coins can carry additional designations that significantly increase their value: Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM). These refer to the contrast between the frosted, raised design elements and the mirror-like background fields of the coin.
A 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar graded PR 67 DCAM will be worth considerably more than a plain PR 67. Deep Cameo examples with strong contrast are highly attractive to collectors and can push values well above the standard price estimates.
When you’re examining your coin, look for a crisp, almost white frost on Kennedy’s portrait and the eagle on the reverse, set against a deeply reflective, glass-like background. That contrast is what makes a proof coin truly stunning — and more valuable.
CoinHix is a great tool for tracking these premium-grade values over time, since cameo prices can shift significantly depending on collector demand and recent auction results.
Where to Sell or Get Your Coin Appraised
If you think you’ve got a high-grade or cameo example, it’s worth getting a professional opinion before selling. Coins in PR 67 or higher should ideally be submitted to PCGS or NGC for third-party grading, which protects both you and any future buyer.
For more casual sales, platforms like eBay are a reasonable option, but make sure you look at completed sales — not just asking prices. What people are willing to pay is what matters.
You can also explore a full breakdown of 1979 Half Dollar values by grade and variety to compare your coin against documented sales before making any decisions.
Local coin shops and coin shows are another solid avenue, especially if you have an entire 1979 proof set to sell. Many dealers will pay more for complete sets than for individual coins.
CoinHix also lets you track market trends over time, so you’ll know whether it’s a good moment to sell or whether holding your coin a bit longer might pay off.
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FAQ
Q: How do I tell if my 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar is Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at the “S” mintmark under magnification. The Type 1 mintmark has a filled-in, slightly blobby appearance, while the Type 2 mintmark introduced later in 1979 features a much crisper, more clearly defined “S.” A loupe or magnifying glass makes this much easier to see.
Q: Is the 1979-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar rare?
A: Not particularly — it’s actually the more common of the two 1979-S proof varieties, with millions struck as part of the annual proof set. That said, high-grade examples with Deep Cameo designations are harder to find and carry a real premium among collectors.
Q: Can I find this coin in pocket change?
A: No. The 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar was only produced as a proof coin for collector sets and was never released into general circulation. If you have one, it almost certainly came from a proof set purchased directly from the U.S. Mint or passed down through a collection.
