PCGS MS67+
PCGS MS67+
- PCGS #:
- 6735
- Designer:
- Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
- Edge:
- 150 Reeds
- Diameter:
- 30.61 millimeters
- Weight:
- 11.30 grams
- Mintage:
- 68,312,000
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center
- Auction Record:
- $4,113 • MS64 • 01-09-2013 • Heritage Auctions
Major Varieties
- 1979 50C
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 13,662,400 |
| 60 or Better | 1,366,240 |
| 65 or Better | 273,248 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-1.0 |
| 60 or Better | R-1.0 |
| 65 or Better | R-1.8 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 1 / 62 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 29 / 62 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 25 / 62 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | N/A |
| 60 or Better | N/A |
| 65 or Better | N/A |
Condition Census What Is This?
#1 PCGS MS68
GreatCollections, September 1, 2024, Lot 1434988 – $3,487.50. Second PCGS MS68 made. Diagonal hairline mark to the right of the back of Kennedy's neck. Reverse is toned gold. Untoned patch near stars and olive branch. |
|
#1 PCGS MS68
First PCGS MS68. Graded February 6, 1996. |
|
#3 PCGS MS67+
GreatCollections, July 6, 2025, Lot 1865819 - $1,018.13; "The Rick Jones Collection" (PCGS Set Registry). |
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#3 PCGS MS67+
GreatCollections, December 22, 2024, Lot 1718928 - $759.38; "The Ray's Good Kennedy's Collection" (PCGS Set Registry). |
#3 PCGS MS67+
GreatCollections, September 29, 2024, Lot 1659484 – $852.75. Slight strike weakness at the bottom of A of DOLLAR. |
#3 PCGS MS67+
GreatCollections, August 20, 2023, Lot 1422330 – $1,864.13. |
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#3 PCGS MS67+
“The Centurion Collection,” GreatCollections, April 8, 2018, Lot 536756 – $1,687.50. Diagonal mark at ear. Diagonal mark across the lower portion of the shield, touching the top of the eagle's tail feathers. |
#3 PCGS MS67+
Displays iridescent peacock toning, dominated by shades of gold and magenta. |
The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar (PCGS #6735) is generally a well-made issue that was largely overshadowed by the debut of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar. While neither denomination saw significant circulation, the small dollar was an immediate failure; the Kennedy Half Dollar, conversely, has persisted for decades as a "limping" denomination. For this, one can blame Congressional inaction; a redesigned 50-cent piece—specifically one that was smaller and not easily confused with a quarter—might have returned the denomination to regular use. The Philadelpha Mint struck 68,312,000 1979 Kennedy Half Dollars, with 2,526,000 examples produced for the 1979 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set and 294 pieces reserved for assay.
Operational Improvements
In 1979, the United States Mint implemented major operational improvements across all facilities. While these initiatives may not be immediately visible on the coins of that calendar year, they significantly improved the well-being of production floor employees. Specifically, the Mint launched its Industrial Hygiene program and began wide-scale efforts to reduce occupational noise levels.
The Last of the "No P" Halves
The 1979 issue is historically significant as the final year a Philadelphia-struck half dollar appeared without a "P" mintmark. Mintmarks were originally adopted in 1838 to identify coins struck at branch facilities. However, starting in 1980, Mint Director Stella B. Hackel ordered that all Philadelphia denominations—with the exception of the Lincoln Cent—would carry the "P" mark.
Collecting the 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar
Because many were saved in sets or held by the public, much of the mintage likely survives today. Collectors can often still find these in circulation by purchasing half-dollar rolls at local banks for face value, or by acquiring singles and Mint Sets. As this is a well-made issue, it is not prohibitively difficult to find examples that grade PCGS MS65 or MS66. However, given the large surface area of the coin, the "Superb Gem" grade of MS67 presents a significant challenge. As of January 2026, only two coins have earned our "Top Pop" grade of MS68—and remarkably, these two specimens were submitted 28 years apart!
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