1878 7TF and 1879 Reverse Morgan Silver Dollar Value Guide

The 1878 7TF and 1879 Reverse Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare high-grade specimens. Finding one of these heavy silver coins in an old desk drawer or a family collection is an exciting moment for any American household.

Understanding the 1878 7 Tail Feathers Morgan Dollar

If you just found an old silver dollar dated 1878, you might be surprised to learn that not all “heads-and-tails” are the same. In the first year of production, the U.S. Mint struggled with the design of the eagle on the back. The initial design had 8 tail feathers (8TF), but it was quickly changed to 7 tail feathers (7TF) to look more “natural.” However, identifying your coin can be tricky because there are two distinct versions of the 7TF reverse. Pro-tip for beginners: if you aren’t sure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to get an instant visual confirmation of your coin’s variety.

The “Second Reverse” (Reverse of 1878) features a flat breast on the eagle and a straight top feather on the arrows. The “Third Reverse” (Reverse of 1879) features a rounded breast and a slanted top arrow feather. Collectors pay a premium for specific variations, especially when the coin is in Mint State. If you are struggling to tell these nuances apart, the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on high-quality reference photos to compare with your own treasure. Knowing exactly which 1878 variant you hold is the first step toward getting a fair price from a dealer or at auction.

The 1879 S Reverse of 1878 Mystery

The most famous “mismatch” in the Morgan series is the 1879-S Reverse of 1878. During the transition between production years, the San Francisco Mint used some of the older 1878 design dies to strike 1879 coins. This created a “mule” variety that collectors absolutely crave. To spot this, look at the eagle on the back of your 1879-S dollar. If the eagle’s breast is flat and the top feather on the bundle of arrows is straight, you have found a very valuable rarity.

Because these coins are often confused with the “regular” 1879 Morgan, many remain hidden in bulk jars of silver. The current market prices for high-grade 1878 and 1879 variants show that a high-quality 1879-S with the 1878 reverse can sell for thousands of dollars more than the standard version. Always check the mint mark “S” above the “D” and “O” in “Dollar” on the reverse side.

How Condition and Grading Affect Value

For everyday Americans, “condition” might just mean “shiny” or “dirty.” In numismatics, however, condition is everything. A single scratch across Lady Liberty’s cheek can cut the value of your dollar in half. Most coins found in old collections are “Circulated,” meaning they were used in daily commerce and show wear on the eagle’s wings and Liberty’s hair. “Uncirculated” coins, or “Mint State,” are those that look exactly as they did when they left the mint.

The comprehensive 1878 silver dollar value data indicates that while a common worn coin might be worth its weight in silver plus a small premium, a coin that receives a professional grade of MS65 or higher is a masterpiece. Before you send your coin to a grading service like PCGS or NGC, which can be expensive, use the CoinKnow app to get a preliminary assessment. This helps you decide if it is worth spending the money on professional authentication.

Identifying the Reverse Designs of 1878 and 1879

To truly master the value of these coins, you must look at the eagle’s anatomy. The “Second Reverse” (Reverse of 1878) is known as the “PAF” or Parallel Arrow Feather. The top feather of the arrows in the eagle’s left claw is perfectly horizontal. Additionally, the eagle has a “Flat Breast,” making it look a bit thinner. This was the design intended to replace the original 8-feather version.

The “Third Reverse” (Reverse of 1879) is known as the “SAF” or Slanted Arrow Feather. On this design, the top arrow feather is angled or slanted. The eagle also has a “Round Breast,” looking much more muscular and well-defined. By 1879, this became the standard design used for the rest of the Morgan series until 1921. If you find an 1878 coin with this “Round Breast,” it is a later production run from that year and carries its own specific market demand.

The Role of Mint Marks: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City

Beyond the tail feathers and breast design, where the coin was made is the final piece of the value puzzle. Coins minted in Philadelphia have no mint mark and are typically the most common. However, coins minted in San Francisco (S) or the legendary Carson City (CC) mint are highly sought after by history buffs and investors alike. A 1878-CC (Carson City) 7TF Morgan Dollar is a classic of the “Wild West” and carries a significant price premium regardless of the reverse type.

If your coin has an “S” or a “CC,” it’s time to handle it with care. Never clean your coins with polish or soap, as this destroys the numismatic value and leaves microscopic scratches that experts can easily spot. If you are unsure about the mint mark or the value, downloading CoinKnow can provide you with a database of historical auction records so you can see what similar coins have sold for recently.

Final Tips for New Coin Owners

Finding an 1878 or 1879 Morgan Dollar is like holding a piece of the 19th century in your hand. These coins are 90% silver, which means even in the worst possible condition, they have intrinsic value based on the price of silver. But as we’ve seen, the true “jackpot” lies in the varieties. Take the time to look closely at the tail feathers and the eagle’s breast.

Compare your coin against online guides and use modern tools to verify your findings. Whether you decide to keep it as a family heirloom or sell it to fund a vacation, knowing exactly what you have is empowering. The 1878 7TF and the various 1879 reversals remain some of the most studied and profitable areas of American coin collecting for beginners and experts alike.

FAQ

Q: Why did the U.S. Mint change the number of tail feathers?

A: The original 1878 design had 8 tail feathers, but biologists pointed out that real eagles usually have an odd number of tail feathers. The Mint quickly revised the design to 7 tail feathers to be more anatomically accurate.

Q: How can I tell if my 1879-S is the rare Reverse of 1878?

A: Look at the top feather in the bundle of arrows on the back. If it is straight (parallel) and the eagle’s breast is flat, you have the rare 1879-S Reverse of 1878. If the feather is slanted and the breast is round, it is the common Rev of 1879.

Q: Should I clean my 1878 Morgan Dollar to make it look better?

A: No! Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface (patina) and significantly lowers the value. Even a “dirty” looking coin is worth much more than one that has been scrubbed.

Q: What is the most valuable 1878 7TF variety?

A: High-grade Mint State examples of the 1878-CC (Carson City) or the 1878-S 7TF “Reverse of 1878” are generally the most valuable for that year, with prices reaching several thousand dollars in MS65 or higher.