If you thought that your old 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar was just a fifty-cent piece, you are so wrong! One of these commonly found coins once sold for a whopping $11,750 in a coin auction. And there are high chances that your 1973 half dollar can also be worth a fortune!
While most of these 50-cent coins are worth just a couple of dollars, certain rare varieties and mint errors can skyrocket their value. In this price guide, you’ll learn about all vital factors, including coin grades, mint marks, and proof strikes, that can transform your half dollar coin into big bucks!
1973 Kennedy Half Dollar History
The 1973 Half Dollar is a significant part of the Kennedy Half Dollar Series introduced just months after President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963. The coin was designed to honor his legacy and was based on the Presidential Medal designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro.
Initially minted in 90% silver, the Kennedy half dollar faced significant hoarding due to rising silver prices. As a result, the U.S. Mint reduced the silver content to 40% in 1965 and then eventually transitioned to a copper-nickel-clad composition in 1971.
The 1973 Kennedy half dollar in large quantities, with a total mintage of 150,895,739 coins across three mints. This year saw a huge production run, reflecting the coin’s continued popularity among the public as well as collectors!
| 1973 Half Dollar | Key Features & Facts |
| Coin Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center |
| Minting Location | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco |
| Minting Year | 1973 |
| Face Value | 50 Cents (0.50$) |
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Thickness | 2.15 mm |
| Designer | Gilroy Roberts, Frank Gasparro |
| Mint Marks | “S” – San Francisco Mint, “D” – Denver Mint |
| Total Mintage | 148,135,400 (Regular Strike) 2,760,339 (Proof Strike) |
Understanding a 1973 Half Dollar Design & Composition
The 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar features a distinctive design that honors the late president. Here are other design elements and physical characteristics to look for:
1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Obverse:
- Profile portrait of president John F Kennedy facing left
- The word “LIBERTY” along the top edge
- The mint date “1973” at the bottom
- the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of Kennedy’s neck
- The designer’s initials “GR” (for Gilroy Roberts) on the truncation of Kennedy’s neck
1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Reverse:
- Presidential Seal at the center
- Eagle with shield holding olive branch and arrows
- 50 stars encircling the design
- The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top edge
- Denomination “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom
- Motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the eagle
Coin Composition & Dimensions
The 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar is a copper-nickel clad coin, specifically 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This gives the coin an overall composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel and a weight of 11.34 grams.
Besides, the coin has a diameter of 30.61 mm and a thickness of 2.15 mm with a reeded edge, featuring 150 reeds. These characteristics remained constant for all coins minted at different locations.
Finding a 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Value (4 Key Factors)
A circulated 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar is typically worth its face value of 50 cents, but uncirculated examples can be worth $5 to $20, with those in excellent condition or with minting errors fetching up to $1,000 or more!
Analyze the following factors to assess a 1973 Half Dollar coin value!
1. Coin Grading and Condition
The condition of a 1973 Kennedy half dollar is a significant factor in determining its value. Generally, coins are professionally graded on a scale from PO1 to MS70, with higher numbers indicating better condition.
1973 half dollars in circulated condition (grades 1-58) are worth less than uncirculated coins (grades 60-70). For example, a 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar in MS-67 grade might be worth $200 – $250, while the same coin in MS-65 generally fetches $10 – $20!
2. Mint Marks & Mintage
In 1973, Kennedy half dollars were minted at three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The total mintage for the year was an impressive 150,895,739 coins, which makes this coin common. Still, Kennedy halves from certain mints can still be collectible.
Here is a breakdown of 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar mint marks & their values:
- 1973 No Mint Mark Half Dollar: The Philadelphia mint produced 64,964,000 half dollars with no mint mark in 1973. These coins are the most common and can be found in circulated condition for 50 – 70 cents. In uncirculated condition, a 1973 no mint mark half dollar can fetch up to $28 in MS65 grade and up to $240 in MS67 grade!
- 1973 D Kennedy Half Dollar: The Denver mint struck 83,171,400 Kennedy half dollars in 1973, making them the most common variety. You can spot these coins by the “D” mint mark on the obverse. Like the no mint mark variety, a 1973 D Kennedy half dollar in circulated condition is worth 50 – 70 cents. Uncirculated coins can fetch up to $500 in MS67 grade!
In uncirculated conditions, 1967 no-mint-mark half dollars can be worth $5 to $15, with coins in flawless condition reaching $50 or more. To find your coin’s average value, refer to this detailed 1967 Half-Dollar value chart based on coin grades.
| Coin Grades | Condition Details | 1973 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value | 1973 D Kennedy Half Dollar Value |
| Poor (0) to Extremely Fine (XF45) | Significant wear, faded but visible details | 50 – 70 cents | 50 – 60 cents |
| Almost Uncirculated (AU50) to Mint State (MS58+) | Slight wear on highest points, visible marks or blemishes | 70 cents to $1 | 50 cents to $1 |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS64) | Uncirculated with minimal wear | $5 – $12 | $5 – $10 |
| Mint State (MS65 – MS66+) | Nearly flawless with very minor imperfections | $15 – $55 | $10 – $50 |
| Mint State (MS67 – MS67+) | Well-preserved with no major flaws | $200 – $350 | $150 – $250+ |
| Mint State (MS68 or Above) | Nearly perfect, luster, no major marks or flaws | N/A | N/A |
3. 1973-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coins
In 1973, the United States Mint produced 2,760,339 proof Kennedy half dollars at the San Francisco Mint. These special coins are made for collectors and feature a mirror-like finish. Depending on the finish, proofs are designated in three categories:
- Standard Proof (PR): These are regular proof coins with mirrored surfaces. A 1973-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar in PR-65 can be worth $5-$10, while a PR-69 might fetch $20-$30.
- Cameo Proofs (CAM): These coins show a stronger contrast between mirrored fields and frosted devices than standard proofs. A 1973-S Cameo Half Dollar Proof coin in PR-65 can fetch $10-$20, while a PR-69 example could be worth up to $35 or more.
- Deep Cameo Proofs (DCAM): 1973-S DCAM proofs feature the strongest contrast between fields and raised designs, and hence, it is worth the most. In PR-69 grade, a 1973-S DCAM Half Dollar proof coin can fetch up to $100 to $1,200 or more!
4. Rare 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Mint Errors List
Mint errors can significantly increase the value of a 1973 Kennedy half dollar. Some of the most valuable errors include:
1973 Doubled Die Obverse
This error occurs when the die shifts slightly between strikes, causing the lettering and design to appear doubled on the obverse. You can spot this rare coin by doubling on Kennedy’s portrait, lettering, and digits in the mint date.
The value of this error coin depends on the coin’s condition and visibility of doubling. the value of a 1973 half dollar graded MS65 or higher with this error can be worth up to $400 to $1,000!
Off-Center Strike
When a 1973 half-dollar is struck off-center due to the metal blank being misaligned in the die, part of the design may be missing. The value of a 1973 50C off-center coin increases with the degree of off-center strike and the coin’s grades.
For example, a 5-20% off-center coin might be worth $25-$150, while a 50% off-center strike could fetch $500 or more.
1973 50C Struck Over a 1972-D Washington Quarter
This rare coin is produced when a 1973 D Kennedy Half Dollar dollar is struck over on a 1972-D Washington quarter. To identify this coin, look for Washington Quarter’s obverse on the 1973 half dollar reverse and vice versa. This error can fetch exceptional returns, like an MS-67 example sold for a whopping $11,750 on Heritage Auctions!
Broad Struck Errors
This error happens when the collar that holds the coin in place during striking is misaligned or removed, causing the coin to be struck wider than usual. Broadstruck 1973 Kennedy Half Dollars can be worth $500 to $1,000.
A rare example of a 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar with a broadstruck error and a double-struck error sold for $4,680 on Heritage Auctions! So look for multiple errors on your coin!
Die Cud Error
The 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar die cud error happens when a portion of the die becomes damaged or is chipped away. This damage results in a “cud” or raised area on the con’s surface. Due to its rarity, this coin can sell for up to $200 to $400, depending on condition.
Die Break Error
This type of mint error occurs when a piece of the die used to strike the 1973 half dollar coin breaks off. This creates a noticeable raised lump or line over the obverse design.
A die break error is often found on 1973-S Kennedy Half Dollar proof coins, and its value ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 in high grades (PR-67 or 68). For example, a PR-67 example once sold for $2,040 in a coin auction.
Clashed Die Error
When the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin planchet between them, a clashed die error results, with a partial impression of the opposite design being transferred onto the coin’s surface.
This error is often found on proof 1973 half dollars, with values ranging from $150 to $400 for high grades. You can spot it by noticeable impressions of 1973 half dollar’s reverse on the obverse and vice versa.
Struck on the Wrong Planchet
Occasionally, a Kennedy Half Dollar might be mistakenly struck on a planchet intended for another denomination. These errors can be highly valuable, potentially worth $1,000-$5,000 or more.
You can find many rare 1973 half dollar coins struck on different blanks, such as a Jefferson Nickel planchet, a Clad 25C planchet, a Copper planchet, and others. Among these, the PR-67 graded 1973-S 50C struck-in 1.6-gram Copper planchet sold for a stunning price of $10,800 at Heritage Auctions!
How to Differentiate Between Real & Fake 1973 Half Dollars
To ensure your 1973 Kennedy half dollar is real and authentic, take the following steps:
- Verify the Weight: Weigh the coin precisely. A genuine 1973 half dollar should weigh 11.34 grams. Any difference (lighter or heavier) might indicate a fake.
- Check the Dimensions: Measure your coin’s dimensions using a caliper. If it is different from 30.6 millimeters in diameter and 2.15 millimeters in thickness, it could be a counterfeit.
- Test the Composition: A 1973 half-dollar should be composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Use a magnet to test the composition. If it reacts, it might be fake.
- Authenticate the Mint Mark: If the coin has an “S” or “D” mint mark, it should be properly placed and proportioned. Compare the Mint Mark’s style with genuine 1973 Kennedy halves.
