Are you building your Kennedy half dollar collection and wondering whether the 1978 half dollar is worth anything? What’s the 1978 half dollar value? This guide will breakdown everything you need to know about this coin so you can decide whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your collection.
Kennedy half dollars are very popular among collectors due to their historical and sentimental value but these coins are usually only worth their face value. Generally, the most valuable half dollars that are worth collecting are the high-grade Mint State examples.
If you are building your Kennedy half dollar collection by date, collecting a 1978 half dollar will help you build a complete set. In this guide, you’ll discover the real value of this coin, how to grade it and some interesting minting errors worth pursuing.
So, let’s dive in and find out: How much is a 1978 Kennedy half dollar today?
1978 Half Dollar Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1978-No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.60 | $420 |
| 1978-D Half Dollar Value | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.60 | $600 |
| 1978-S Proof Half Dollar Value | – | – | – | $40 |
History of the 1978 Half Dollar
The 1978 half dollar belongs to the Kennedy half dollar series that the United States Mint first released in 1964, a few months after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
To save time, given that the release date was set for January 1964, Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts modified an existing Kennedy bust he had designed for the Presidential Medal series for the obverse design of the new half dollar. Assistant Chief Engraver, Frank Gasparro, on the other hand, also modified the design he had made for the medal’s reverse.
Congressional approval was required for any design changes that were not past the 25-year mark. On December 30, 1963, Congress passed the bill authorizing the Kennedy half dollar and President Lyndon Johnson too gave a nod to the bill, paving way for production to begin.
By January 30, 1964, the Denver mint had struck the first Kennedy half dollars meant for circulation while the Philadelphia Mint began production one week later. The Treasury Department released the first coins in March 24, 1964, much to the anticipation of collectors and the general public. Kennedy half dollars were so popular that the early releases were immediately sold.
Despite the Mint producing hundreds of millions of Kennedy half dollars to meet the demand, these coins never seemed to circulate widely. This became one of the most hoarded coins as everyone sought to keep a memento of the fallen popular president. The fact that the early coins were also minted in 90 percent silver also contributed to its widespread hoarding.
By 1965, the Mint, under the President’s authorization, reduced the half dollar’s silver content from 90% to 40% with the goal of minimizing the widespread hoarding of these coins. However, these changes didn’t have a significant effect and circulation of half dollars remained dismal. In late 1970, the Mint completely eliminated silver from the Kennedy half dollars and began minting them as clad coins with a 75% copper core and a 25% outer layer.
The 1975-76 Kennedy half dollars were dedicated to the commemoration of the United States Bicentennial. After this, the mintage number of half dollars struck in subsequent years declined drastically from the high to lower millions.
The 1978 half dollar, minted at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, is not considered a key date. However, Mint State examples are scarce, often fetching premium prices, and can be an excellent addition to any collection.
Also read: 13 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars Worth Money
Features of the 1978 Half Dollar
By understanding the features of the 1978 half dollar, you can accurately grade your coin and even identify Kennedy half dollars worth good money.
Obverse of the 1978 Half Dollar
The front side features Kennedy’s left-facing portrait. The word LIBERTY is boldly etched in an arch at the top while the date, 1978, appears at the bottom.
The national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is inscribed at the truncation of Kenedy’s portrait. A close look at the truncation area will reveal the initials, GR, which stand for Gilroy Roberts, the obverse side designer.
Reverse of the 1978 Half Dollar
The reverse shows an image of the heraldic eagle holding an olive branch in its left talon and a bunch of arrows in its right one, representing peace and security, respectively. The eagle also holds a flag in its beak with the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM (Out of one, many).
Rays of light appear to emerge in the background, crowned by a billow of cloud, symbolic of a new, optimistic dawn. Thirteen stars are also superimposed on the rays of light, representing the thirteen original states to join the Union. Additional stars encircle the image of the heraldic eagle.
The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appear boldly along the rim at the top while the denomination, HALF DOLLAR, is etched at the bottom.
Other Features of the 1978 Half Dollar
Additional notable features of the 1978 half dollar include:
- Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
- Weight: 11.30 grams
- Edge: Reeded
- Metal Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Also read: 13 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money
1978 Half Dollar Grading
Even if you are not an expert yet, you can grade your 1978 Kennedy half dollar and approximate how much a piece might be worth. For starters, pay attention to high-contact points to determine the extent of wear.
The high contact points include Kennedy’s hair strands, jawline, and cheek on the obverse. On the reverse, inspect the extent of wear on the wings, shield, and talons. On circulated half dollars, these design elements will range from being heavily worn to moderately worn.
Uncirculated examples, which are more desirable, will have no signs of wear except for the occasional bag marks. These coins will display full mint luster, frosted devices, and all-round sharp strike details.
| # | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
1978 Half Dollar Value Guides
Now, let’s answer the big question: How much is a 1978 half dollar? The value depends on factors such as the mintage, mintmark, and the coin’s condition.
There are three varieties of the 1978 half dollar:
- 1978 No-mint mark Half Dollar
- 1978-D Half Dollar
- 1978-S Proof Half Dollar
Let’s find out how much each is worth.
1978 No-Mint mark Half Dollar Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced about 14,350,000 Kennedy half dollars in 1978, a much lower mintage than in previous years. Since many of these coins were hoarded, Mint State examples graded MS65 or lower are common.
Here’s a breakdown of the value of 1978 no-mintmark Kennedy half dollars:
Circulated Examples: These are fairly common and inexpensive from Good (G) to About Uncirculated (AU58), with examples selling for as little as $0.60 to $0.75. Survivors are generally well struck and in good condition, even in lower grades.
Mint State Example: Uncirculated Mint State pieces are common in grades MS65 and lower, which can be attributed to the extensive hoarding of Kennedy half dollars. Due to their relative commonality, examples are quite affordable and accessible to most collectors. For example, at grade MS60 a piece can sell for up to $1.50, an MS63 for about $7.50, and an MS65 for up to $25. Pieces graded MS66 are considered gem-quality and are genuinely rare, selling for as much as $60 and up to $420 for one graded MS67.
Auction Record: In a record-breaking sale, Heritage Auctions sold an MS66 for a remarkable $1,725.
1978-D Half Dollar Value
Next, we’ll look at the 1978-D half dollar, which had a mintage of 13,765,799, one of the lowest in the period between 1964-2001.Due to widespread hoarding, Mint State examples up to MS66 are common and obtainable by most collectors.
Here’s what to expect regarding the value of the 1978-D half dollar:
Circulated Examples: These are fairly common and most are well-struck and in good condition even in lower grades. Due to significant hoarding of these Kenney half dollars, circulated examples have not exchanged many hands and are still in relatively good shape. That said, these coins are only worth more or less their face value i.e. from grades Good (G) through to About Uncirculated (AU58), examples will sell for about $0.60- $0.75.
Mint State Example: Uncirculated 1978-D half dollars are relatively common up to grade MS66 and are affordable too. At MS60, examples will sell for about $1.50 while an MS63S will fetch as much as $6. At graded MS65, pieces will bring in up to $30 while an MS66 will sell for at least $60. Any pieces graded higher than MS67 are extremely rare and highly sought-after by collectors of Kennedy half dollars. Such gems will typically command premiums, for example, an MS67 will sell for as much as $600.
Auction Record: Legend Rare Coin Auctions facilitated a record-breaking sale in 2022 when they auctioned an MS67+ for an impressive $3,760.
1978-S Proof Half Dollar Value
The San Francisco Mint also produced proof coins amounting to approximately 3,127,781. This was a fairly high mintage for proof coins, resulting in lower prices. Kennedy half dollar proofs are well-struck with brilliant surfaces and frosted devices.
Here’s a breakdown of the values:
Regular Proofs: These are plentiful and easily accessible. Prices start at $1.15 for pieces graded MS60 through to $5 for those graded MS65. At MS67 proof Kennedy half dollars will fetch up to $10 while one graded MS69 will sell for as much as $22.50.
Cameo and Deep Cameo: Cameos are relatively common but Deep Cameos can be scarce. At the top of the grade, Cameos will sell for as much as $50 while lower grade pieces will fetch between $1.50 at MS60 to $6.50 for an MS65.
Auction Record: In a record-shattering sale in 2009, Bowers & Merena auctioned a rare PF70 for a whopping $825.
Also read: 11 Most Valuable Half Dollars In Circulation
Rare 1978 Half Dollar Errors List
Although the 1978 Kennedy half dollars are generally well-struck, there are some notable minting errors in the series. These errors can significantly boost the value of your half dollar and are therefore worth pursuing. Here are some to watch out for:
1. 1978 Half Dollar Doubled Die Error
A doubled die error occurs when the die strikes the planchet at slightly different angles multiple times. This results in visible doubling on the inscriptions and/or design elements. The more intense the doubling, the more valuable the doubled die error. Such an error will add $5-$10 to your regular half dollar.
2. 1978-D Half Dollar Strike-Through Error
A strike-through error happens when a foreign object accidentally enters the coining hub and is struck between the die and planchet, leaving its impression on the coin’s surface. Examples of foreign objects, include hair strands, small pieces of strings or metal, grease, and other such debris. The more dramatic the impression of the struck-through object, the more valuable the error usually is. A strike-through error can be worth $5-$50 more than the regular value of your Kennedy half dollar.
3. 1978-D Half Dollar Re-Punched Mintmark Error
A re-punched mintmark error is one in which the mintmark appears struck more than once. This happens when the mintmark punch embosses the mintmark on the die the first time and then a second or third time in slightly different angles, resulting in a primary and secondary mintmark. The value of a re-punched mintmark ranges between $5 and $20 depending on the intensity of the doubling on the mintmark.
Where to Sell Your 1978 Half Dollar?
Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
FAQS
Is a 1978 half dollar worth anything?
A 1978 Kennedy half dollar is generally only worth more or less its face value. But, higher-grade Mint State examples are worth slightly more and are more desirable among collectors of Kennedy half dollars.
Are 1978 half dollars silver?
No. 1978 half dollars are clad coins made from copper and zinc. The Mint stopped producing Kennedy half dollars in silver by 1970 to minimize hoarding and also because of the increasing cost of silver.
How do I know if my Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable?
Rarity is one of the determining factors of a coin’s value. The 1978 Kennedy half dollar, like many other dates in the series, is not rare—the Mint produced millions of these coins to meet demand. That said, the most valuable Kennedy half dollars are the higher-grade uncirculated examples. So, to know if your coin is valuable, you need to find out if it’s a higher-grade Mint State example. Such pieces often sell for much more than the half dollar’s face value.
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