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The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $60 in worn condition to over $15,000 for high-grade specimens. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a transitional moment in American minting history when the design was still being perfected.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) to Very Good (VG8) | $55 – $70 |
| Fine (F12) to Very Fine (VF20) | $75 – $95 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $110 – $135 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50+) | $160 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS63) | $450 – $1,100 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65+) | $4,500 – $15,000+ |
Understanding the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Variety
If you have found an old silver dollar in a drawer, you might be holding a significant piece of numismatic history. The year 1878 was the very first year the Morgan Dollar was produced, and the Mint went through several design changes in just a few months. To accurately value your coin, you can use a top coin identifier app to confirm the specific sub-variety you own.
The “7TF” stands for “7 Tail Feathers” on the eagle. However, what makes this specific coin special is the “Reverse of 1879.” In late 1878, the Mint modified the design of the eagle’s breast and the top feather on the arrow bundle. On the 1879 style (which was used on some 1878 coins), the eagle’s breast is slanted or flat, and the top arrow feather is parallel to the others.
Identifying these nuances is much easier with tools like CoinKnow, which allows you to zoom in on high-resolution images to compare your coin against known master dies. This variety is generally rarer and more valuable in high grades than the standard “Reverse of 1878” which features a rounded breast and a slanted top arrow feather.
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How to Identify the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879
To distinguish the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 from its counterparts, you need to look closely at the reverse (the “tails” side) of the coin. First, count the tail feathers on the bald eagle; there should be exactly seven. If there are eight, you have the “8TF” variety, which has its own unique market profile.
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Next, look at the eagle’s breast. On the Reverse of 1879, the breast is noticeably flatter. On the earlier 1878 version, the breast is convex and rounded. Furthermore, check the “Top Arrow Feather” (TAF). On the Reverse of 1879, the top feather of the arrows held in the eagle’s claws is straight and parallel to the others.
If you are struggling to see these details, CoinKnow can help by providing expert-led visual guides. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for this specific transition because it represents the “corrected” version of the Morgan design that would go on to be used for decades. The 1878 silver dollar value often hinges on these tiny physical discrepancies that the naked eye might miss.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Grading and Value Factors for 1878 Morgan Dollars
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the single most important factor in determining its final price. Because these coins were made of 90% silver and used in daily commerce, most surviving examples are heavily worn. A coin that looks shiny but has scratches will be worth significantly less than one with its original “mint frost” intact.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 1-70 scale. Most coins found by non-collectors fall in the “Fine” to “Extremely Fine” range (F12 to XF45). However, if your coin has never been circulated and shows crisp details in the hair of Lady Liberty and the feathers of the eagle, it could be a “Mint State” (MS) coin.
| Design Feature | Reverse of 1878 (Standard) | Reverse of 1879 (This Variety) |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle’s Breast | Rounded / Convex | Flat / Slanted |
| Top Arrow Feather | Slanted / Doubled appearance | Straight / Parallel |
| Rarity | Common | Scarcer in high grades |
Current Market Trends for 1878 7TF Rev of 79
The market for Morgan Dollars is currently very strong, as silver prices and collector interest remain high. The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 is particularly sought after by “set collectors” who want to own every major variety of the inaugural year. Even in lower grades, these coins carry a “silver floor,” meaning they will always be worth at least their weight in silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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As of recent auctions, a mid-grade AU55 specimen can fetch around $250. However, once you reach MS63 or higher, the price jumps exponentially. For instance, the market value for 1878 Morgan Dollars in mint condition shows that elite grades can reach five-figure sums at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers.
If you are thinking about selling, it is wise to track prices over a few months. Using an app like CoinKnow helps you stay updated on recent sales data so you don’t get underpaid by a local coin shop. Remember, “cleaned” coins—those that have been scrubbed with polish—lose up to 50% of their collector value, so never clean your coins!
The Significance of Mint Marks on 1878 Dollars
While the variety (7TF Rev of 78 vs 79) is critical, you must also check for a mint mark. In 1878, Morgan Dollars were struck in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 is primarily associated with the Philadelphia Mint (which has no mint mark) and the San Francisco Mint (look for a small ‘S’ on the reverse).
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The San Francisco (1878-S) version of the Reverse of 1879 is actually quite common, while the Philadelphia (1878 No Mint Mark) version is usually what collectors are referring to when they talk about the “Rev of 79” as a distinct, valuable variety. Determining which mint produced your coin is a vital step in the valuation process.
| Mint Mark | Location | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| None (Philly) | Above ‘DOLLAR’ | High (for Rev of 79 variety) |
| S (San Francisco) | Above ‘DOLLAR’ | Moderate (S-mints are prized for luster) |
| CC (Carson City) | Above ‘DOLLAR’ | Very High (The most famous US mint) |
Summary: Is Your 1878 Morgan Dollar a Treasure?
To wrap up, identifying a 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 requires a keen eye and a bit of patience. You are looking for seven tail feathers, a flat eagle’s breast, and a straight top arrow feather. If you find these features on a coin that looks like it just came from the bank yesterday, you could be looking at a windfall of several thousand dollars.
For everyday Americans, the best course of action is to first identify the variety using a tool like CoinKnow, then compare it to recent auction results. If the coin appears to be in “Mint State” (uncirculated), it is highly recommended to have it professionally authenticated and graded to ensure you receive the maximum possible value when you decide to sell.
FAQ
Q: Why are there so many versions of the 1878 Morgan Dollar?
A: 1878 was the first year of production. The designer, George T. Morgan, and the Mint officials made several “running changes” to the design to improve the strike quality and the appearance of the eagle, resulting in the 8TF, 7/8TF, and two different 7TF versions.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How can I tell if my 1878 7TF is the “Reverse of 1879”?
A: Look at the eagle’s breast on the back of the coin. If it is flat instead of rounded, and if the top feather on the arrow bundle is straight across rather than slanted, you have the Reverse of 1879 variety.
Q: Does cleaning my 1878 Morgan Dollar increase its value?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer the natural patina or even dirt over a coin that has been chemically or mechanically cleaned. Cleaning a rare 1878 variety can ruin its numismatic value, leaving it worth only its silver content.
Q: Where is the best place to sell an 1878 7TF Rev of 79?
A: For lower-grade coins, a local reputable coin shop is fine. For high-grade (MS63 and above) or rare varieties, specialized numismatic auction houses will usually net you the highest price by reaching serious collectors.