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Few coins in American history carry the emotional weight and historical relevance of the 1973 liberty half dollar. Born out of national mourning, this coin was more than just currency—it was a tribute. By 1973, nearly a decade after its debut, the half dollar 1973 precio had become a familiar presence in pockets, piggy banks, and coin collections alike.
But what about the 1973 half dollar coin value today? Especially for those minted in 1973—long after the removal of silver from circulation coins—is there still collector interest? Can a regular 1973 50 cents be worth more than 50 cents?
The short answer: yes, but condition and mint mark matter. But before identifying coins and their values, let’s learn some history and see what makes a 1973 Kennedy half dollar rare.
A Brief History of the 1973 Kennedy Coin
The Kennedy 50 cents made its first appearance in March 1964, just a few months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The speed of its creation was unprecedented—Congress approved it within weeks, and the U.S. Mint rapidly repurposed existing designs by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), originally intended for Kennedy's presidential medal.
By 1973, the coin had already undergone a significant change in composition. Gone was the 90% silver alloy used in the inaugural 1964 issue. In its place, a more economical copper-nickel clad structure was adopted, starting from 1971. This material shift aligned with the government’s cost-cutting policies during the post-silver era and reflected broader trends in global minting.
Though the 1973 half dollar silver content is zero, the value of 1973 Kennedy half dollar is hidden in its symbolism and iconic look—an enduring homage to a fallen leader.
Learn more about this coin from our article: The 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar: A Coin with a Story to Tell.
Key Features of the 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar
Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a casual hobbyist, knowing your coin's anatomy is essential. This coin remains consistent with its predecessors in terms of appearance, but understanding its design, dimensions, and composition can help determine Kennedy half dollar 1973 value and authenticity.
Obverse (Front):
Features a left-facing bust of John F. Kennedy
Inscriptions: “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the date “1973”
Mint mark location: Just below Kennedy’s neck, above the date
Reverse (Back):
Adorned with the Presidential Seal
Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR”
Design includes a heraldic eagle with a shield, olive branches, and arrows
Specifications:
Specification | Detail |
Composition | 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad) |
Core | Pure copper |
Diameter | 30.6 mm |
Weight | 11.34 grams |
Edge | Reeded (150 reeds) |
Mint Marks and Their Significance
The Kennedy coin was struck at three mints in 1973: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. However, only two of these are relevant for regular circulation coins.
➤ 1973 (No Mint Mark):
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint. These coins are the most commonly found in circulation and do not carry a mint mark.
➤ 1973-D:
Struck at the Denver Mint. Identified by the “D” mint mark beneath the date. These are also widely circulated and highly collectible in higher grades.
➤ 1973-S:
Proof coins only, struck at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were not intended for circulation and are sold directly to collectors. Since this article focuses on circulation strikes, we’ll exclude 1973-S proofs from further pricing discussions.
Mint marks matter greatly when it comes to the half dollar coin value 1973. Though the differences between Philadelphia and Denver coins may seem subtle at first glance, variations in strike quality and surviving condition can lead to significant value gaps—especially in uncirculated grades.
1973 JFK Half Dollar Value Guide: What Is Your Coin Worth?
Though the majority of 50 cents carry only modest premiums above its face, select coins—especially those in high mint-state grades or with notable errors—can command significant collector interest.
Here's a detailed breakdown of half dollar coin 1973 value (Philadelphia, no mint mark) and 1973-D (Denver) Kennedy half dollars across circulated and uncirculated conditions:
Grade / Condition | 1973 (No Mint Mark) | 1973-D (Denver) |
Circulated | $0.70 – $1 | $0.70 – $1 |
About Uncirculated | $1 | $1 |
MS60 | $5 | $5 |
MS63 | $9 | $9 |
MS65 | $28 | $32 |
MS66 | $70 | $250 |
MS67+ | $400+ | $250+ |
Mint State (MS): Coins graded from MS60 upward are considered uncirculated, with higher 1973 half dollar value d for sharper detail, better luster, and fewer contact marks.
Key takeaway: While both versions hold similar 1973 silver half dollar value in lower grades, the 1973-D coin sees a dramatic jump in prices at MS66 and higher. High-quality examples can be worth $250 or more, especially those with exceptional eye appeal or rare die varieties.
What Is a 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth and What Affects It?
Not every Kennedy coin is worth 6 figures, even in a good condition. Several factors contribute to collector demand and premium pricing.
1. Condition (Grade)
Coins in pristine mint condition (MS65 and above) are significantly more valuable than worn examples.
Even minor wear or scratches can drop the 1973 Kennedy half dollar value dramatically.
Coins with Full Strike and clean fields command a premium.
2. Rare Errors and Varieties
1973 half dollar errors attract a niche but highly dedicated market. While most halves are standard, a few error types have surfaced.
3. Limited High-Grade Survival
Many 1973 halves were released into circulation, making uncirculated examples in MS66+ genuinely scarce.
The 1973-D version is especially tough to find in MS67, with PCGS population reports showing only a handful in top grades.
Learn more about what makes Kennedy halves rare from our article.
Is a 1973 Half Dollar Worth Anything? Notable Error Types to Watch For
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO):
Look for doubling in Kennedy’s profile, date, or inscriptions. These errors are rare but raise the 1973 Kennedy half dollar coin value dramatically.
Die Clashes:
Caused when dies strike each other without a planchet between them, leaving ghost-like impressions of design elements.
Off-Center Strikes: Where the design is visibly shifted or incomplete.
Planchet Errors:
Missing clad layers, clipped planchets, or wrong-metal strikes.
While these errors are uncommon, they can fetch $100–$500 or more depending on the rarity and visual impact.
Advice: Check out 13 most valuable Kennedy halves with different errors.
Identifying Mint Marks Correctly
Before assessing Kennedy half dollar value 1973, be sure you correctly identify the mint mark:
Philadelphia (1973 Kennedy half dollar no mint mark): Located below Kennedy’s neck, just above the “7” in “1973.”
Denver (1973 half dollar D mint mark): Same position as Philadelphia issues but marked with a clear “D.”
San Francisco (“S” Mint Mark): These are proof-only coins and not intended for circulation.
Tip: Use a magnifying glass or macro lens to examine the mint mark clearly. Faint or filled mint marks could signal minting issues or light 1973 Kennedy half dollar errors.
Should You Get Your 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Graded?
Grading can transform a common coin into a professionally recognized asset. But grading isn’t free—so how do you know what is a 1973 half dollar worth?
When Grading Is Worth It:
Your coin appears in mint state (MS65+) with minimal marks and strong luster.
You spot a possible 1973 half dollar value error, such as doubling or a misstrike.
You plan to sell at auction and want to boost buyer confidence.
The coin has a strong strike, no wear, and full detail—especially for the Denver mint version, as 1973 D half dollar value is higher in top grades.
Grading Services to Consider:
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
These two are widely trusted in the numismatic community, allowing you to understand clearly how much is a 1973 half dollar worth. Coins graded MS66 or higher by PCGS/NGC often realize premium auction prices.
Pro Tip: Before submitting your 1973 half dollar no mint mark for grading, compare it visually to high-resolution examples on PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Coin Explorer, or use a coin value checker. This can help estimate whether your coin has a realistic shot at earning a high grade.
Where to Sell or Appraise Your 1973 Kennedy Coin
Once you’ve identified how much is a 1973 Kennedy half dollar worth, the next step is choosing where to sell or appraise it. Here are the most effective routes.
Local Coin Dealers
Great for quick sales or in-person appraisals.
Choose dealers with positive online reviews and affiliations with the American Numismatic Association (ANA).
Ideal for in-hand examination and instant offers.
Online Marketplaces
eBay: Ideal for selling coins in all grades. Include clear photos, accurate descriptions, and mention if the coin is graded or features an error.
Heritage Auctions: Best for high-grade or rare coins—especially those with verified errors or MS66+ certification.
GreatCollections: A popular platform for auctioning certified coins.
Free Online Appraisal Tools
AI coin identifiers offer instant evaluations based on current market trends.
Upload a photo of your 1973 half dollar, and you’ll receive data on its likely grade, estimated value, and potential error identification—all without visiting a physical dealer.
Final Thoughts: Is Your 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar a Hidden Gem?
If you are expecting a treasure from your half, remember that the 1973 D Kennedy half dollar value is likely to vary between $0.70 and $1.00 in circulated condition. Yet, select coins in mint state (MS65+), especially from the Denver Mint, can fetch $250–$400 or more. Rare errors, proof-like qualities, or ultra-high grades (MS67+) unlock even greater 1973 half dollar value no mint mark potential.
So before you spend that half dollar or toss it in a jar, give it a closer look. That plain-looking 50¢ piece could be hiding in plain sight—a small but shining piece of numismatic history.
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