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The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. As the very first year of the legendary Morgan Silver Dollar series, this specific “Tail Feather” variety holds a special place in American history and numismatic collections.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 – $40 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $65 – $80 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $250 – $400 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | $1,400+ |
History of the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar
In 1878, the United States Mint began producing a new silver dollar designed by George T. Morgan. This was a significant moment in American history, marking the return of the silver dollar after the “Crime of ’73” had temporarily halted its production. If you have recently found one in a family chest, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm if your coin is a genuine first-year issue.
While the very first coins minted featured an eagle with eight tail feathers (8TF), the design was quickly changed to seven tail feathers. This transition led to three distinct major varieties in 1878: the 8TF, the 7 Over 8 Tail Feathers (7/8TF), and the 7TF. The “Reverse of 1878” (also known as the Second Reverse or SAF) is identified by the flat breast on the eagle and the top leaf of the olive branch being parallel to the arrow feather.
For those trying to identify these nuances at home, the CoinKnow app is an excellent resource, providing high-resolution images to compare your coin against verified specimens. Collectors highly value this specific 1878 7TF Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar because it represents the Mint’s finalized vision for the currency during its inaugural year.
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Identifying the 7 Tail Feathers and the 1878 Reverse
To determine the value of your coin, you must first confirm it is indeed a 7TF variety and not the later “Reverse of 1879.” In the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1878, the eagle has a flat breast, and the top feather on the arrow is parallel to the top leaf. This is different from the 1879 version, where the eagle’s breast is convex (slighty rounded) and the top leaf is slanted.
Most of these coins were minted in Philadelphia, meaning they lack a mint mark. If you find one with an “S” or “CC” mark, you are looking at a different variety entirely. Checking the 1878 silver dollar value guide reveals that mint marks from San Francisco or Carson City can significantly swing the price, sometimes adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the appraisal.
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To get the most accurate identification without visiting a dealer, download CoinKnow. By simply taking a photo, the app can analyze the fine details of the eagle’s breast and olive branch to ensure you have categorized your find correctly. Small details make a huge difference in the world of 19th-century silver.
Market Value Analysis by Coin Grade
Condition is the most critical factor when determining the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar value. Because these were large, heavy silver coins, they often knocked against each other in canvas bags at the Mint, creating “bag marks” or scuffs. Coins that survived without these marks are exceptionally rare and valuable.
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| Grade Group | Description | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G-XF) | Heavy to moderate wear; details visible. | $35 – $100 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Slight wear on high points; some luster remains. | $120 – $185 |
| Mint State (MS-60-62) | No wear; significant marks or dull luster. | $210 – $320 |
| Mint State (MS-63-64) | Attractive luster with fewer distractions. | $350 – $650 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | Stunning strike and exceptional eye appeal. | $1,500 – $3,000+ |
When looking at 1878 Morgan Dollar pricing data, you will notice that gems (MS-65 and above) are much harder to find for the 7TF variety than the 8TF. If you believe your coin is in pristine condition, it is worth paying for professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC.
Key Varieties: 7TF Reverse of 1878 vs. 1879
A common point of confusion for new collectors is distinguishing between the two reverses used for 7-feather dollars in 1878. The “Reverse of ’78” is the original design, while the “Reverse of ’79” was a modification made later in the year to improve the strike quality and aesthetic of the coin.
In the Reverse of 1878, the eagle is somewhat spindly—collectors often refer to it as the “flat breast” variety. In contrast, the Reverse of 1879 shows a more robust, “puffy” breasted eagle. Additionally, the top leaf of the olive branch on the ’78 reverse is straight and parallel to the arrow, whereas the ’79 reverse features a slanted top leaf.
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Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish these two at a glance. The distinction is vital because the Reverse of 1878 is generally considered the more “historically accurate” version for the first year of issue, often commanding a slight premium in higher grades over the more common 1879-style reverse minted in late 1878.
The “7 Over 8” (7/8 TF) Variety Premium
While looking for 7 tail feathers, you might encounter a variety where the tips of the original 8 feathers are visible underneath the new 7-feather design. This is known as the “7 over 8” or Doubled Die Reverse. These are highly sought after by “VAM” collectors (specialists who study minute die variations).
| Feature | Standard 7TF | Rare 7/8TF |
|---|---|---|
| Tail Feathers | Clean 7 feathers | Tips of 8th feather showing |
| Rarity | Common for the year | Scarce to Rare |
| Value (XF-40) | ~$70 | ~$110 – $150 |
If you notice “extra” feather tips peeking out from under the tail of the eagle, do not clean the coin! Cleaning a silver dollar will actually destroy its numismatic value, often cutting the price in half. Instead, take a clear photo and consult a professional or use a digital tool to confirm the variety.
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Where to Sell Your 1878 7TF Morgan Silver Dollar
Once you have identified your 1878 7TF Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar and estimated its grade, you might want to cash in. For coins worth less than $100, local coin shops or reputable online marketplaces are usually the best bet. They offer a quick way to turn silver into cash without the hassle of auction fees.
For high-grade specimens worth $500 or more, consider a professional auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers. These venues attract serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for coins that have been graded and slabbed by PCGS or NGC. Selling at auction ensures you get the true market value determined by competitive bidding.
Before selling, always check current “sold” listings on eBay rather than “asking” prices. This gives you a realistic view of what people are actually paying. Keeping a log of your collection in an app like CoinKnow can also help you track the value of your silver assets as metal prices and collector demand fluctuate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Q: Is an 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar real silver?
A: Yes, all Morgan Dollars were minted with a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.
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Q: Why did the Mint change from 8 feathers to 7 feathers in 1878?
A: Numismatic legend says that early critics complained that American eagles actually have an odd number of tail feathers. The Mint responded to this feedback by changing the design shortly after production began.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side, just above the “D” and “O” in the word “Dollar.” If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Does cleaning the coin increase its value?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer “original skin” or natural toning. Harsh cleaning leaves microscopic scratches that will cause grading services to label the coin as “Details,” significantly reducing its market price.