Based on the provided information, the value of a 1973 Kennedy half dollar is primarily determined by its physical condition and mint mark.
For a standard, circulated 1973 half dollar that you might find in pocket change, its value is simply its face value of 50 cents. These coins were minted in large quantities and contain no silver, being composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy. Therefore, they do not have any intrinsic melt value beyond their face value. This applies to coins minted in both Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (a "D" mint mark).
However, the value can increase significantly for coins that were never circulated and remain in pristine, uncirculated condition, often referred to as Mint State (MS). For collectors, the grade of the coin is crucial. A typical uncirculated 1973 half dollar might be worth around $2.00 to $3.50.
As the condition improves, the value rises substantially. A coin graded as MS-65, which indicates a high-quality specimen with only minor imperfections, could be valued between $12 and $17. For exceptionally rare, top-grade examples, such as those graded MS-67, the value can be quite high, potentially ranging from over $500 to more than $2,000, as very few coins have survived in such perfect condition. In summary, while a circulated 1973 half dollar is worth 50 cents, an uncirculated version's value is entirely dependent on its collector-grade condition.
