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The 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare varieties in high mint states. Whether you found one in a jewelry box or inherited a collection, understanding the “Tail Feathers” and “Reverse of 1879” variations is key to unlocking its true market value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) – Very Good (VG8) | $35 – $45 |
| Fine (F12) – Very Fine (VF20) | $50 – $65 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $85 – $110 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $175 – $350 |
| Rare Varieties (MS65+) | $1,500 – $15,000+ |
Identifying Your 1878 7TF Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1878 Morgan Dollar was the first year of issue for this iconic series, and the Philadelphia Mint went through several design changes early on. Most people who find an old silver dollar first look at the date, but for 1878, you must look at the eagle’s tail. Initially, the eagle had 8 tail feathers (8TF), but this was soon changed to 7 tail feathers (7TF) to match earlier U.S. coinage traditions. If you are struggling to count the feathers or identify the variety, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on these tiny details instantly.
Within the 7TF category, there is another major distinction: the shape of the eagle’s breast and the top of the bundle of arrows. The first version, known as the “Second Reverse” or “Parallel Arrow Feather (PAF),” features a flat-breasted eagle. The later version, produced in 1879 but appearing on some late 1878 coins, is known as the “Third Reverse” or “Reverse of 1879.” This version features a rounded breast and a slanted top arrow feather. Collectors pay significantly different prices depending on which “reverse” your coin features.
If you are unsure about the grading, CoinKnow is a great tool for beginners. It helps you compare your coin against high-resolution images to see if your 1878 dollar is truly “Uncirculated” or just “About Uncirculated.” Using CoinKnow ensures you don’t accidentally sell a high-value variety for the price of common silver bullion.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Historical Significance of the 1878 7 Tail Feathers Variety
The transition from 8 tail feathers to 7 tail feathers was due to a stylistic dispute at the Mint. Mint Director Henry Linderman decided that the eagle looked more “heraldic” with an odd number of feathers. This led to many 1878 coins being struck with 7 feathers over the original 8 feathers, creating the famous “7 over 8 Tail Feathers” (7/8TF) variety.
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Because 1878 was the “birth” year of the Morgan Dollar, these coins are highly sought after by type-set collectors. The 1878 7TF is the most common of the first-year varieties, yet its demand remains high due to its historical status. When evaluating your collection, you should check the 1878 silver dollar market value frequently, as the prices for first-year Morgans can fluctuate based on the spot price of silver and collector trends.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The “Reverse of 1878” vs. “Reverse of 1879” Explained
The most impactful discovery for a casual owner of an 1878 dollar is distinguishing between the “Reverse of 1878” and the “Reverse of 1879.” In the late months of 1878, the Mint redesigned the reverse die to make the eagle more three-dimensional. This new design is what we find on almost all coins from 1879 to 1904. However, a small portion of 1878-dated coins were struck using this newer 1879-style die.
How can you tell the difference? Look at the top arrow feather in the eagle’s claws. On the “Reverse of 1878 (PAF),” the top feather is parallel to the shaft, and the eagle’s breast is flat. On the “Reverse of 1879 (SAF),” the top feather is slanted, and the eagle’s breast is rounded or convex. Because the 1879 style is rarer on 1878-dated coins, it often commands a premium in higher grades. Knowing these 1878 Morgan Dollar grade-based values can make the difference between a $50 coin and a $500 coin.
| Reverse Type | Identifying Feature | Value (AU50) | Value (MS63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse of 1878 (7TF) | Flat Breast, Parallel Arrow | $85 | $210 |
| Reverse of 1879 (7TF) | Round Breast, Slanted Arrow | $110 | $350 |
| 7 Over 8 Tail Feathers | Extra tips showing behind | $135 | $425 |
Determining the Mint Mark on Your 1878 Dollar
While most 1878 7TF coins were minted in Philadelphia (which has no mint mark), it is crucial to check the back of the coin. Look just above the “DO” in the word “DOLLAR.” If you see a small “S” or “CC,” you have found a more valuable specimen. The San Francisco (S) and Carson City (CC) mints produced their own versions of the 7TF design.
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The 1878-CC is particularly famous among collectors because the Carson City Mint was located near the Comstock Lode, the source of much of the silver used for these coins. If you find a “CC” on your coin, the value jumps significantly, even in worn condition. CoinKnow can help you identify these mint marks if they are faded or covered by decades of toning and dirt.
Factors That Influence 1879 Reverse Morgan Dollar Value
Condition is everything when it comes to the 1879 Reverse on an 1878 coin. Because these coins were made of 90% silver, they are relatively soft and scratch easily. Most coins found today have been “circulated,” meaning they were used in daily commerce and show wear on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers.
A coin that looks shiny isn’t always valuable—sometimes it has been “cleaned,” which actually ruins the collector value. A truly valuable 1878 7TF will have its original “mint luster,” a frosty sheen that only appears on coins that haven’t been rubbed or polished. Professionals use the Sheldon Scale (1 to 70) to grade these. A jump from MS63 to MS65 can mean a price increase of thousands of dollars.
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| Mint Mark | Mintage | Good (G4) Value | MS60 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1878 (Phila) 7TF | 9,759,300 | $35 | $145 |
| 1878-S 7TF | 9,774,000 | $35 | $160 |
| 1878-CC 7TF | 2,212,000 | $125 | $450 |
Summary of What to Look For
To recap, if you have an 1878 Morgan Dollar, you are looking for three specific things. First, count the feathers: are there 7 or 8? If there are 7, check for the “slanted top arrow feather” of the 1879 reverse. Second, look for a mint mark (“S” or “CC”). Finally, assess the condition. Is the eagle’s breast flat or rounded? Are the details of Liberty’s hair crisp or smoothed out?
Regardless of the variety, an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar is a piece of American history. It represents the end of the “Old West” and the beginning of a modern industrial era. Even a heavily worn 1878 7TF is worth more than its weight in silver, making it a “treasure” worth keeping or selling to a reputable dealer.
FAQ
Q: Why are there so many versions of the 1878 Morgan Dollar?
A: 1878 was the first year of production, and the U.S. Mint was still perfecting the design. They changed the number of tail feathers and adjusted the relief of the eagle’s breast three different times in that single year, creating several distinct varieties for collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is my 1878 silver dollar rare if it has no mint mark?
A: No, “no mint mark” simply means the coin was minted in Philadelphia. While Philadelphia 1878 7TF coins are valuable, they are generally less rare than the Carson City (CC) mint mark versions.
Q: How much silver is in an 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar?
A: Every Morgan Dollar contains 0.7734 Troy ounces of pure silver. Its “melt value” changes daily based on the price of silver, but because these are collectible coins, they almost always sell for much more than just their silver weight.
Q: Can I use an app like CoinKnow to find errors?
A: Yes! CoinKnow and similar apps are designed to help you spot “VAM” varieties or doubling on the coin that might not be visible to the naked eye. These small errors can significantly increase the value of your dollar.