The 1878 7TF and 1879 Reverse Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these heavy silver “cartwheels” in an old drawer is an exciting moment, as these early Morgan dollars are historical treasures.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Good to Very Fine (Circulated)	$35 – $65
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated	$75 – $150
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63)	$250 – $450
Gem Mint State (MS65+)	$1,200 – $4,500+

Understanding the 1878 Morgan Dollar Varieties

When the Morgan Dollar was first introduced in 1878, the United States Mint went through several design iterations in just one year. If you have recently inherited a collection, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the complicated varieties of this first-year issue. The “7TF” refers to the eagle on the reverse having seven tail feathers. However, there is a very specific and valuable version known as the “1878 7TF with a Reverse of 1879.”

This variety is often called the “Slope Eagle” or the “Reverse of ’79.” It is distinguished by the shape of the eagle’s breast and the top feather on the arrow bundle. On the original 1878 design (Reverse of ’78), the breast is flat and the top arrow feather is parallel. On the 1879 design, the eagle’s breast is rounded and the top arrow feather is slanted.

Because the 1878 7TF (Reverse of ’79) was a transition piece, it is much rarer than the standard 1878 strike. Identifying this specific variation is the difference between a common silver coin and a high-value collector’s item. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can provide a quick visual comparison to ensure you don’t sell a rarity for the price of common silver.

Key Features of the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879

To determine the exact 1878 silver dollar value, you must look closely at the reverse side of the coin. The most obvious diagnostic is the top arrow feather (the one closest to the eagle’s claw). On the “Reverse of ’79,” this feather is slanted or concave. Additionally, the eagle has a more convex, rounded breast compared to the “flat-chested” appearance of the early 1878 strikes.

The 1878 7TF coins were minted in Philadelphia, which means they do not have a mint mark above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR.” While millions were made, many were melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918, making surviving specimens in high grade quite scarce. Collectors specifically hunt for the “Reverse of ’79” because it represents a bridge between the initial design flaws and the finalized look of the Morgan Dollar series.

For those new to the hobby, the distinction might seem microscopic. However, in the world of numismatics, these tiny details drive the price. Using a tool like CoinKnow allows you to zoom in on high-resolution images to match your coin against professional samples. This ensures you are looking at the correct attributes before taking it to a local coin shop.

Feature	Reverse of 1878 (PAF)	Reverse of 1879 (SAF)
Top Arrow Feather	Straight / Parallel	Slanted / Concave
Eagle’s Breast	Flat	Rounded / Convex
Rarity	Common	Scarce

Grading and Its Impact on Price

The condition of your 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar is the primary factor in its valuation. A “circulated” coin—one that was actually used as money—will have wear on Liberty’s hair around her ear and on the eagle’s breast feathers. An “uncirculated” or “Mint State” coin looks exactly as it did when it left the mint, with a beautiful white luster.

Even a small scratch or a “cleaning” (which collectors hate) can slash the value of your coin by 50% or more. Never clean your coins! If you think you have a high-grade specimen, check the 1878 Morgan Dollar price data to see how much of a premium “Mint State” coins carry. High-grade examples of the 1878 7TF (Rev ’79) frequently sell for over $1,000 at major auctions.

Most everyday Americans will find coins in the “Fine” to “Extremely Fine” range. These are still worth more than their silver content. While the silver melt value might be around $20, the numismatic value of a genuine 1878 7TF is significantly higher. Using CoinKnow can help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to their built-in grading library.

The “Reverse of 79” Variety: Detailed Values

The 1878 7TF (Reverse of 1879) is the most sought-after variety of the 7-feather series. This variety occurred because the Philadelphia Mint began using the new 1879 hubs while they were still striking coins dated 1878. It resulted in a “mule” of sorts—an 1878 date with an 1879 back.

Grade	Estimated Market Value
VG 8 (Very Good)	$40
VF 20 (Very Fine)	$65
EF 40 (Extremely Fine)	$110
AU 50 (About Uncirculated)	$165
MS 63 (Uncirculated)	$550
MS 65 (Gem Uncirculated)	$2,800+

Values for these coins have remained stable because demand from Morgan Dollar specialists is always high. If your coin has a “Proof-Like” (PL) surface—meaning the background is shiny and mirror-like—you can often double the prices listed above. These are rare finds in old family collections but do happen occasionally!

Where to Sell Your 1878 Morgan Dollar

If you discover that your coin is the valuable 1878 7TF with the 1879 reverse, you have several options for selling. For coins worth under $100, local coin shops or eBay are your best bet. However, for high-value Mint State coins, you might want to consider professional grading through services like PCGS or NGC. A certified coin always fetches a higher price because the buyer is guaranteed of its authenticity and grade.

Before you walk into a shop, do your homework. Check recent auction results and use CoinKnow to get a ballpark figure of what dealers are currently paying. Keep in mind that a dealer needs to make a profit, so they will typically offer you 60-80% of the “book value.” If you want the full market price, selling directly to a collector through a reputable platform is the way to go.

Always handle your Morgan Dollar by the edges. The oils from your fingers can leave permanent marks on the silver surface. If you’ve found a collection of these, keep them in PVC-free plastic flips or paper envelopes. Taking care of the “eye appeal” is the easiest way to protect the value of your investment.

FAQ

Q: How many tail feathers does a normal 1878 Morgan Dollar have?

A: The very first 1878 Morgan Dollars had 8 tail feathers (8TF). This was quickly changed to 7 tail feathers (7TF) to be more anatomically correct. There is also a variety where 7 feathers were struck over the original 8, known as the 7/8TF.

Q: Why is the “Reverse of 1879” more valuable than the “Reverse of 1878”?

A: It is simply a matter of scarcity. Most 1878 7TF coins were struck using the “Flat Breast/Parallel Arrow Feather” design. The “Rounded Breast/Slanted Arrow Feather” design (the 1879 style) was used on only a fraction of the 1878-dated coins, making it a “key variety” for collectors.

Q: Is every 1878 Morgan Dollar made of real silver?

A: Yes, all genuine Morgan Dollars struck between 1878 and 1904 (and again in 1921) are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.

Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1878 7TF?

A: On the 1878 7TF, the mint mark is located on the reverse side, just above the “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR.” If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. Note that the “Reverse of ’79” variety is most commonly associated with the Philadelphia (no mint mark) strike.