Finding a 1973 Kennedy half dollar in your change might seem ordinary, but certain mint marks and errors can transform this common coin into a valuable collectible. While most 1973 half dollars are worth only face value in circulation, specific varieties and mint errors command premiums ranging from a few dollars to several hundred. Understanding which characteristics separate valuable specimens from ordinary pocket change can help you identify hidden treasures in your collection.

Understanding the 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Production

The United States Mint produced Kennedy half dollars at three facilities in 1973, each marking their coins differently. Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark, Denver coins display a “D,” and San Francisco struck only proof coins with an “S” mint mark. This was the seventh year of the clad composition era, meaning these coins contain zero silver—just copper-nickel layers over a copper core.

The 1973 Philadelphia facility struck 64,964,000 half dollars without mint marks, while Denver produced 83,171,400 pieces marked with a “D” below Kennedy’s neck on the obverse. San Francisco’s output was limited to 2,760,339 proof coins exclusively for collectors. The weight of each coin measures 11.34 grams with a diameter of 30.61 millimeters.

This clad composition makes regular circulation strikes worth exactly 50 cents unless they exhibit exceptional condition or errors. The transition from 90% silver (1964) to 40% silver (1965-1970) to clad composition (1971-present) means collectors specifically seeking silver content will pass over 1973 issues. However, numismatic value exists independently of precious metal content.

1973 No Mint Mark Kennedy Half Dollar Values

Philadelphia-struck 1973 half dollars represent the lowest mintage of the three circulation varieties that year. In circulated condition grades from Good-4 through Extremely Fine-45, these coins trade for face value only. The premium begins appearing in uncirculated grades.

Mint State specimens start gaining collector interest at MS-63, where examples typically sell for $3 to $5. Better-preserved coins bring higher returns: MS-64 specimens command $8 to $12, while MS-65 pieces reach $25 to $40. Top-grade MS-66 examples have sold for $75 to $150 at major auctions.

Professional grading matters significantly at these quality levels. A raw coin claimed to be MS-65 might actually grade MS-63 or MS-64, cutting the value in half. Third-party authentication from PCGS or NGC provides buyer confidence and typically increases market value for high-grade specimens.

1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar Market Values

The Denver mint’s higher production numbers make the 1973-D slightly more common than its Philadelphia counterpart, though values track similarly for most grades. Circulated examples remain at face value regardless of wear level.

Uncirculated 1973-D half dollars begin showing premiums at MS-63, typically valued at $4 to $6. MS-64 coins trade for $10 to $15, representing the sweet spot for collectors seeking quality without extreme expense. MS-65 specimens command $30 to $50, while pristine MS-66 examples reach $100 to $200 at auction.

A notable Heritage Auctions sale in January 2023 featured a PCGS MS-66 1973-D that realized $180, demonstrating strong demand for top-tier condition census coins. At the MS-67 level—extremely rare for this issue—prices can exceed $500, though fewer than a dozen have been graded at this level by major services combined.

The key to value lies in surface preservation. Even minor contact marks, particularly on Kennedy’s cheek or the eagle’s breast, can drop a coin from MS-65 to MS-64, significantly impacting market price. Original mint luster and strike sharpness also influence grade assignments.

1973-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Pricing

San Francisco’s proof production followed different quality standards than circulation strikes. These coins were struck multiple times with specially polished dies and planchets, creating mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. They were sold exclusively in proof sets to collectors.

Standard 1973-S proofs in PR-65 to PR-67 condition sell for $5 to $12, making them affordable additions to date sets. PR-68 examples command $20 to $35. The real value jump occurs at PR-69, where deep cameo specimens with exceptional eye appeal reach $75 to $150.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations add significant premiums. A 1973-S proof with standard contrast might sell for $8 in PR-67, while the same grade with DCAM designation brings $25 to $40. At PR-69 DCAM, values range from $100 to $250 depending on market conditions and specific visual appeal.

Ultra-rare PR-70 DCAM specimens—representing technical perfection—have sold for $500 to $800 when they appear at auction. PCGS and NGC have graded fewer than 100 examples at this level combined, making them the condition rarities of the 1973 Kennedy series.

Critical Error Types Worth Finding

Error coins from 1973 can multiply values exponentially beyond standard circulation strikes. The most valuable errors result from significant minting mistakes that escaped quality control and entered circulation or collector sets.

Doubled die errors show visible doubling on design elements, particularly the date, “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.” While major doubled dies haven’t been documented for 1973 Kennedy half dollars like those found on 1964 and 1974-D issues, minor doubling can still add $20 to $100 in value depending on prominence and location.

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet isn’t properly positioned during striking. A 10-15% off-center strike with full date visible typically brings $50 to $150, while more dramatic 25-40% misalignments can reach $200 to $400. Coins struck more than 50% off-center, showing only partial design, command $300 to $600 if the date remains visible.

Die breaks and cuds appear as raised blobs or lines on the coin’s surface, caused by cracks in the striking die. Small die breaks add $10 to $30, while major cuds affecting significant portions of the design bring $75 to $200. A dramatic cud obscuring several letters or a substantial portion of Kennedy’s portrait can exceed $300.

Struck-through errors happen when grease, cloth fragments, or other debris prevents full detail transfer during striking. These create blank spots or unusual textures. Values range from $15 for minor grease-filled strikes to $100+ for dramatic fabric or wire strikes that create distinctive patterns.

Clipped planchets result from overlapping blanks during the punching process, creating curved missing sections. Straight clips from the edge of metal sheets are less valuable ($15-40), while curved clips are more desirable at $40-125 depending on clip size—larger clips generally command higher premiums.

Authentication and Condition Assessment

Distinguishing valuable errors from post-mint damage requires careful examination and knowledge. Genuine off-center strikes show complete design elements that appear on the struck portion, with blank planchet visible in unstruck areas. Planchet clips display smooth, curved edges where metal is missing—never rough or jagged like damage.

Die breaks create raised metal on the coin’s surface, appearing as extra material. Post-mint damage creates indentations or scratches that go into the metal. Under magnification, genuine mint errors show the same level of detail and luster in error areas as the rest of the coin.

Professional grading services authenticate errors and assign condition grades that directly impact value. For common circulation strikes worth $5-10 raw, grading fees of $20-40 per coin don’t make economic sense. However, suspected significant errors worth $100+ or high-grade candidates for MS-66 or better justify professional certification.

When examining 1973 half dollars, use at least 5x magnification to spot minor doubled dies, small die breaks, or filled details. Check the rim completely for clips or broadstrike characteristics. Compare the coin’s diameter to a normal half dollar—broadstrikes measure slightly larger than the standard 30.61mm.

Weight verification helps identify wrong planchet errors, though these are exceptionally rare for 1973. Standard clad half dollars weigh 11.34 grams—significant variations might indicate a planchet intended for another denomination. A precision scale accurate to 0.01 grams is necessary for this analysis.

Building a Complete 1973 Kennedy Collection

Collectors pursuing 1973 Kennedy half dollars have multiple approaches depending on budget and goals. A basic three-piece set—no mint mark, D, and S proof—costs under $20 in average uncirculated and proof grades. This provides representation from all three minting facilities at minimal investment.

Advancing to higher quality levels changes the equation substantially. Assembling all three varieties in MS-65/PR-68 condition requires $100-150, while MS-66/PR-69 DCAM examples might cost $350-500 total. Condition census pieces at MS-67 or PR-70 DCAM can exceed $1,500 for the complete trio.

Error collectors focusing on 1973 issues face a hunting challenge since no major documented varieties exist like the famous 1964 Accented Hair or 1974-D doubled die. Finding legitimate errors requires examining hundreds of circulation strikes or purchasing certified examples at shows and through dealers. Budget $200-500 to acquire a small selection of verified 1973 errors including a minor off-center strike, die break, and clipped planchet.

The investment potential for common-date Kennedy half dollars remains modest compared to earlier silver issues or key dates. A 1973-D in MS-65 purchased for $30 today might reach $40-50 in a decade—a reasonable gain but not life-changing. The real opportunities lie in discovering unrecognized errors in circulation or accumulations, where acquisition costs approach face value but resale values jump to $50-500 depending on error type.

Where to Sell Your 1973 Kennedy Half Dollars

Understanding value means little without access to markets. Common circulated 1973 half dollars aren’t worth a dealer’s time—they’ll pay face value if they buy at all. Banks accept them at face value, making that your baseline exit strategy for worn examples.

Uncirculated and proof specimens in average grades (MS-63 to MS-65, PR-67 to PR-68) sell best through online marketplaces like eBay where collectors browse daily. Expect to net 70-80% of retail value after fees and shipping costs. A $25 retail coin might net you $18-20 through this channel.

Local coin clubs provide fee-free selling opportunities through member-to-member transactions. Most metropolitan areas host monthly meetings where you can display coins for sale. Building relationships within the club often leads to fair deals without marketplace fees eating into proceeds.

High-grade specimens (MS-66+, PR-69 DCAM+) and significant errors deserve professional auction treatment. Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Great Collections specialize in numismatic material and attract serious buyers willing to pay strong prices for quality. Consignment fees typically run 10-20% of the hammer price, but the expanded buyer pool often results in higher gross proceeds that offset these costs.

Major coin shows offer dealer-direct selling where you receive immediate payment. Expect wholesale offers at 60-70% of retail for common material, though dealers pay stronger percentages for rare errors or top-grade coins they can quickly resell. The advantage is instant cash without waiting for auction results or online sales to complete.

Maximizing Your 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Finds

Whether you’ve inherited a collection, enjoy roll searching, or simply want to know what your spare change is worth, 1973 Kennedy half dollars offer an accessible entry into coin collecting. Start by sorting any examples you have by mint mark, then assess condition honestly using grading guides.

Focus your magnified examination on potential error candidates—anything that looks unusual deserves closer inspection. Compare suspicious coins to verified error images online before investing in professional grading. The $30-40 certification fee only makes sense when you’re confident the coin’s certified value will exceed $100.

For pure collectors, completing a high-grade set provides achievable satisfaction without astronomical expense. The total investment of $100-200 for all three varieties in MS-65/PR-68 delivers a handsome display representing quality 1970s coinage. Adding a few affordable errors transforms the collection from basic to interesting with modest additional investment.

Roll searchers hunting modern half dollars should examine every 1973 piece carefully. While you won’t find silver content, uncirculated examples do appear in bank rolls occasionally, and errors lurk in circulation waiting for discovery. A $200 off-center strike purchased for 50 cents represents the kind of find that makes searching worthwhile—rare but possible with persistence and knowledge.