The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 to $5 in typical proof condition, but certain high-grade examples can fetch $20 to $100 or more depending on quality and eye appeal. If you stumbled across one of these coins in an old collection or estate box, you may have found something more valuable than you think — especially if you know which “type” you’re holding.
What Makes the 1979-S Type 2 Different From Type 1?
The 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar was minted only as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint — you won’t find this one in pocket change. What makes it particularly interesting is that there are actually two distinct varieties minted that year: Type 1 and Type 2.
The difference comes down to the “S” mintmark itself. The Type 1 has a blurry, filled-in mintmark that looks a bit smudged. The Type 2 has a sharper, cleaner mintmark — sometimes called the “Clear S” — which resulted from the Mint using a new, redesigned punch. That subtle difference matters a lot to collectors.
The Type 2 is considerably rarer than the Type 1. While millions of proof sets were produced in 1979, the Type 2 variety makes up a smaller portion of that total. That scarcity is what drives the extra value, and it’s why knowing exactly which type you have is so important before you sell or trade.
If you’re unsure which type you’re holding, a coin identifier and value app can help you zoom in on the mintmark details and compare your coin to known examples — a handy tool for beginners and experienced collectors alike.
1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Grade
Proof coins are graded on a scale from PR60 to PR70, where PR70 means a perfect, flawless coin with no visible marks under magnification. Most 1979-S Type 2 half dollars you’ll encounter will fall somewhere in the PR65 to PR68 range.
Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth at various grade levels:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Minor blemishes, strong mirrors | $5 – $10 |
| PR66 | Sharp detail, light contact marks | $8 – $18 |
| PR67 | Near flawless, exceptional mirrors | $20 – $45 |
| PR68 | Nearly perfect surfaces | $50 – $100 |
| PR69 / PR70 | Virtually or perfectly flawless | $100 – $300+ |
For the most up-to-date market prices and auction records, you can check out detailed 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar price data by grade and variety to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
How to Tell If You Have a Type 2
Identifying the Type 2 variety requires a good magnifying glass or loupe — at least 5x to 10x magnification. Look directly at the “S” mintmark on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just below Kennedy’s portrait.
On the Type 1, the mintmark looks thick and blobby with filled loops — almost like the letter was stamped with too much ink. On the Type 2, the “S” is noticeably cleaner, with distinct open loops and crisp edges. Side-by-side photos found in coin references and collector forums make the difference very obvious once you know what you’re looking for.
CoinHix is a popular app among collectors for exactly this kind of research. You can look up the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar, filter by variety, and instantly see photos and current price trends — all from your phone. It takes the guesswork out of identifying what you have.
Should You Get It Graded?
If your 1979-S Type 2 looks pristine — brilliant mirror-like surfaces with no visible scratches or haze — it may be worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified PR68 or higher can sell for significantly more than a raw, ungraded example, simply because collectors trust the grade.
That said, grading fees typically start around $20 to $30 per coin, so it only makes financial sense if your coin has a reasonable chance of grading PR67 or above. If it’s showing fingerprints, cloudiness, or contact marks, the cost of grading likely won’t pay off.
For a full look at 1979 Half Dollar values across all grades and mint types, you’ll find helpful breakdowns that can guide your decision on whether to submit for grading or sell as-is.
You can also use CoinHix to compare recent sales data and figure out whether your coin’s current condition makes grading worthwhile — it’s a smart first step before spending money on certification.
Where to Sell a 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar
If you’ve confirmed you have a Type 2 and want to sell, there are several solid options. eBay is one of the most active marketplaces for modern proof coins — search completed listings to see real recent sales. Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers handle higher-end coins and certified examples. Local coin dealers are convenient but may offer less than market value since they need room to make a profit.
Online collector forums like the PCGS CoinFacts community and Reddit’s r/coins can also connect you with enthusiast buyers who understand the variety’s value and are willing to pay fair prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollars were made?
A: The U.S. Mint hasn’t released separate mintage figures for Type 1 and Type 2, but it’s estimated that the Type 2 accounts for a smaller portion of the roughly 3.6 million proof sets produced in 1979, making it the scarcer and more collectible of the two varieties.
Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 2 in circulation?
A: No. The 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar was struck only as a proof coin for collector sets and was never released for general circulation. If you have one, it likely came from a 1979 U.S. Mint Proof Set.
Q: Is the 1979-S Type 2 worth more than the Type 1?
A: Yes, generally speaking. The Type 2’s cleaner, redesigned mintmark makes it harder to find in large quantities, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for it — sometimes two to three times more than a comparable Type 1 in the same grade.