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The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $50 in worn condition to over $10,000 for high-grade specimens. This specific variety, often called the “Top 100” VAM, is a favorite among collectors due to its unique transitional design and historical significance in the San Francisco Mint’s production.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) to Very Good (VG8) | $45 – $60 |
| Fine (F12) to Very Fine (VF20) | $75 – $110 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $150 – $225 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65+) | $4,500 – $15,000+ |
Identifying the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Variety
The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is a classic “transitional” variety that occurred when the San Francisco Mint used leftover reverse dies from the previous year. If you have recently found one of these in an old collection, you might be holding a significant rarity. Because many 1879 dollars look similar, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the specific die characteristics from the comfort of your home.
To identify this coin, you must look closely at the eagle on the reverse side. The “Reverse of 1878” (also known as the PAF or Parallel Arrow Feathers variety) features a flat breast on the eagle and the top feather of the arrows is parallel to the others. This differs from the standard 1879-S (Reverse of 1879), which has a rounded breast and a slanted top arrow feather.
Checking these details is crucial because the “Reverse of 1878” is much scarcer than the standard type. Using tools like CoinKnow can assist you in zooming in on these tiny details to ensure you aren’t misidentifying your find. Collectors pay a heavy premium for this specific 1879-S variety, especially when the details remain crisp and well-preserved.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Historical Context and Mintage of the 79-S Variety
The year 1879 was only the second year of the Morgan Silver Dollar production. During this time, the Mint was still refining the design created by George T. Morgan. The San Francisco Mint (denoted by the ‘S’ mint mark) was known for producing some of the most beautiful, lustrous strikes in the entire series. However, the transition between design types created this fascinating overlap.
Market analysis shows that while millions of standard 1879-S dollars were struck, only a fraction featured the 1878 reverse. You can investigate the current market value for 1879-S Morgan Dollars to see how rarity influences price. The survival rate of this variety in high grades is particularly low, which is why prices skyrocket once you reach the Mint State levels.
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Owning a piece of San Francisco minting history is a dream for many “Everyday Americans.” Whether it was passed down through a family inheritance or found at a local estate sale, understanding that this coin represents a specific moment of industrial transition adds to its charm and financial worth.
Grading and How It Affects Your Coin’s Worth
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. A single scratch or a bit of wear on the eagle’s breast can mean a difference of thousands of dollars. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the industry standard for verifying the condition of an 1879-S Silver Dollar. If your coin looks shiny and has never been cleaned, it might be in “Uncirculated” condition.
For those just starting out, CoinKnow provides a great baseline for estimating the grade of your silver dollar. You should look for “contact marks” (tiny nicks from other coins) and “luster” (the way light dances off the surface). High-grade examples of the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 are exceptionally rare because these coins were often bagged and moved frequently, leading to surface abrasions.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade Label | Description of Condition | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated; few marks, full luster. | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| AU58 | About Uncirculated; slight wear on high points. | $250 – $350 |
| VF25 | Very Fine; moderate wear, clear lettering. | $85 – $115 |
What Makes the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Different?
The most distinctive feature of this coin is the “Flat Breast” eagle. In 1878, the first design showed an eagle with a flat chest. In 1879, the designers changed it to a “Rounded Breast” (Reverse of 1879). However, because dies were expensive to make, the San Francisco Mint workers used the older 1878-style dies until they wore out. This resulted in the 1879-S coin having the old, flat-chested eagle.
Another key identifier is the “Slushy” or “Parallel” arrow feathers. On the 1878 reverse, the top feather of the bundle held in the eagle’s tallon is straight. On the 1879 reverse, that top feather is slanted. You can find more detailed 1879 silver dollar price and variety information to help distinguish between these two major types.
If you find that your coin has a rounded breast and slanted feathers, it is the common 1879-S. While still valuable because of its silver content and age, it typically sells for $40 to $100 in average condition—significantly less than the rare Reverse of 1878 variety we are discussing here.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Factors Influencing the Current Market Value
The value of silver coins fluctuates based on two main things: the “spot price” of silver and the “numismatic premium.” The 1879-S Morgan Dollar contains about 0.7734 ounces of pure silver. Therefore, even if the coin is in terrible condition, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver. However, the Reverse of 1878 variety carries a massive numismatic premium because it is a recognized variety.
Collector demand often spikes when these coins appear at major auctions. If you are looking to sell, it is best to track recent sales rather than relying on old price guides. Apps like CoinKnow keep you updated on real-time auction results, ensuring you don’t sell a multi-thousand dollar coin for a fraction of its worth to a local pawn shop.
| Market Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Silver Spot Price | Low impact on rare varieties, high on worn coins. |
| PCGS/NGC Certification | Increases value by verifying authenticity and grade. |
| Eye Appeal | Beautiful “toning” or colors can double the price. |
Tips for Safely Storing Your 1879-S Morgan Dollar
If you discover you have a valuable variety, the first thing you should do is stop touching it with your bare hands. The oils from human skin can cause permanent damage to silver over time. Handle the coin only by its edges, or better yet, wear lint-free cotton gloves.
Store your coin in a PVC-free plastic holder or a “flip.” Avoid keeping it in old paper envelopes or cardboard boxes, as these often contain sulfur, which will turn your silver dollar black. Keeping your coin in a cool, dry place is essential for preserving the luster that collectors love.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Preserving the condition of an 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is an investment in itself. If the coin is currently worth $500, a few years of poor storage could drop that value significantly. On the other hand, a well-preserved coin will likely continue to appreciate as more collectors enter the hobby.
Conclusion on the 1879-S Reverse of 1878
The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is a “treasure in the pocket” for many casual finders. While it looks like a standard silver dollar at first glance, the subtle differences in the eagle’s design make it a standout rarity in the Morgan series. By identifying the flat breast and parallel arrow feathers, you can determine if your coin is a common date or a high-value collector’s item.
Always remember to do your research, use modern tools like CoinKnow for identification, and consult with reputable dealers before selling. Whether you decide to keep it as a family heirloom or sell it to fund a new project, this coin remains a fascinating piece of American history.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell for sure if I have the “Reverse of 1878” variety?
A: Look at the eagle on the back. If the eagle’s breast is flat and the top feather on the arrows is straight (parallel to the others), you have the Reverse of 1878. If the breast is puffy/rounded and the top feather is slanted, it is the common 1879-S.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Should I clean my 1879-S Morgan Dollar to make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes micro-scratches that professional graders can see instantly. A cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its collector value. Natural “patina” or “toning” is much more desirable.
Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1879-S Silver Dollar?
A: The ‘S’ mint mark is located on the reverse side (the eagle side), just above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR,” right below the wreath.
Q: Is every 1879-S Silver Dollar rare?
A: No. The standard 1879-S is one of the most common Morgan Dollars because millions were made. Only the specific “Reverse of 1878” variety is considered rare and carries a significant price premium.