The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $3,500 for perfect specimens. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a clear design improvement by the U.S. Mint during a transitional year for proof sets.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 67 Deep Cameo | $15 – $25 |
| PR 68 Deep Cameo | $30 – $45 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $60 – $120 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $2,800 – $4,200 |
How to Identify the Rare 1979-S Type 2 Variety
If you’ve found a shiny 1979 Kennedy half dollar, the first thing to realize is that all 1979-S coins are “Proof” coins, minted specifically for collectors. However, the Mint changed the “S” mint mark punch halfway through the year. The initial punch, known as Type 1 (Filled S), often looked like a fuzzy blob.
Toward the end of 1979, they introduced the Type 2 (Clear S). The Type 2 is much sharper, with a distinct “S” shape and clear rounded loops at the top and bottom. Understanding which version you have is critical for determining the 1979 Kennedy half dollar price data, as the Type 2 is significantly scarcer and usually commands a higher premium.
If you are unsure whether your “S” is filled or clear, the CoinHix app can help you zoom in and compare your coin against high-resolution reference images. Using the best coin identifier app makes it easy for beginners to spot these subtle differences without needing a $500 jeweler’s loupe. Identifying the Type 2 is the “eureka” moment for many casual collectors looking through old family proof sets.
Current Market Value of the 1979-S Type 2 Half Dollar
The value of this coin depends almost entirely on its grade. Since proof coins are handled with care and sold in plastic sets, most are in excellent condition. However, a “perfect” PR 70 (Proof 70) is extremely rare. While a PR 69 might sell for around $70, a PR 70 can skyrocket into the thousands because of its registry-set appeal.
Most everyday Americans will find a PR 67 or PR 68 in their collections. While these won’t buy you a new car, they are still worth many times their 50-cent face value. The demand for the “Clear S” variety remains strong because it is a “key” variety for the late-70s era. For a deeper breakdown of historical sales, you can view this comprehensive 1979 half dollar value guide to see how prices have shifted over the last decade.
| Variety | Mintage (Total) | Average Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) | ~3,100,000 | $8 – $12 |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) | ~500,000 (est.) | $65 – $3,500 |
Detailed Features: Type 1 vs. Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Type 1 mint mark is often described as a “blob.” The center of the “S” is filled in with extra metal, making it look like a featureless rectangle or an oval. This happened because the mint mark punch was worn out. It wasn’t until late 1979 that the San Francisco Mint updated the punch to the “Clear S.”
The Clear S (Type 2) features a very well-defined “S” with bulbous ends and a clear field of the coin visible inside the loops. If you look at your coin under a bright light and see sharp edges on the letter “S,” you likely have a Type 2.
If you’re looking through a collection and want to catalog everything quickly, CoinHix allows you to organize your finds and track their estimated market value in real-time. Knowing the exact variety helps you avoid selling a potential $100 coin for just $5. Many people mistake the Type 1 for a “mint error,” but it is actually the standard version, whereas the Type 2 is the sought-after prize.
Why the PR 70 Grade is the Holy Grail
In the world of coin collecting, the difference between “almost perfect” and “perfect” is thousands of dollars. A 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar graded PR 69 is beautiful, but common enough that most collectors can afford one for under $100. However, the PR 70 is the “Holy Grail.”
Professional graders at PCGS or NGC look for even the microscopic hairline scratches or “milk spots” that can occur on the surface of proof coins over decades. A PR 70 has zero visible flaws under 5x magnification. Because so few of these coins survived 40+ years without a single tiny scratch, wealthy collectors pay a massive premium to own the best of the best.
| Auction Date | Grade | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 (Jan) | PCGS PR 70 DCAM | $3,840 |
| 2019 (May) | PCGS PR 70 DCAM | $2,400 |
| 2022 (Aug) | PCGS PR 69 DCAM | $85 |
The “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) Designation Explained
When checking the value of your 1979-S Type 2, you will often see the letters “DCAM” or “CAM.” This stands for “Deep Cameo” or “Cameo.” It refers to the contrast between the frosted, white-looking portrait of John F. Kennedy and the mirror-like, shiny background of the coin.
In 1979, the San Francisco Mint had perfected the process of creating this heavy contrast. Most Type 2 coins are Deep Cameos because they were struck with fresh dies late in the year. If the portrait looks matte or snowy against a dark mirror reflection, you have a Deep Cameo coin. This visual appeal is exactly what makes these coins high-value items in the collector market.
Before sending your coin to a professional grading service, use CoinHix to evaluate the clarity of the cameo effect. The app’s visual database can show you what a True Deep Cameo looks like compared to a standard proof. This can save you the expensive fees associated with professional grading if your coin doesn’t quite meet the DCAM standard.
Where to Sell Your 1979-S Type 2 Half Dollar
If you discover you have a 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar, you have several options for selling. If the coin is in an original government lens (the plastic case it came in from the mint) and appears to be a Type 2, you can sell it on eBay for a solid profit. Collectors often search for these “raw” sets hoping to find a candidate for a PR 70 grade.
For coins that are already professionally graded by PCGS or NGC, selling through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions is the best route for high-value specimens. If you have a lower-grade specimen worth $20-$50, local coin shops are a convenient option, though they will typically offer you 50-70% of the retail value to maintain their profit margin.
Always ensure you handle your proof coins only by the edges. The oils from your fingerprints can permanently damage the mirror finish of a proof coin, drastically reducing its value. Even a single fingerprint can turn a $100 coin into a $5 coin in an instant.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
A: No, the 1979-S Kennedy Half Dollar is not made of silver. It is a copper-nickel clad coin (copper core with a nickel-zinc outer layer). The U.S. Mint stopped using silver for circulating half dollars after 1970, though they did release special silver sets in other years.
Q: How can I tell the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 without a microscope?
A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark above the date. If the “S” looks like a solid lump with no clear holes inside the loops, it’s a Type 1. If you can see the flat field of the coin inside both the top and bottom loops of the “S,” it’s a Type 2.
Q: Why is the Type 2 worth so much more than the Type 1?
A: The Type 2 is worth more because it was produced in much smaller quantities. It was only used for the final portion of the 1979 production run. Additionally, collectors need the Type 2 to complete “variety” sets, creating higher demand for a lower supply.
Q: Should I get my 1979-S Half Dollar graded?
A: You should only get it professionally graded if you believe it is a Type 2 AND that it is in flawless condition (PR 69 or PR 70). Grading costs usually range from $30 to $50 per coin, so the coin’s value must be high enough to justify the expense.