The 1878 7TF Morgan Silver Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare proof-like specimens in pristine mint state. As the very first year of the legendary Morgan series, this coin represents a fascinating moment in American history and remains a favorite for weekend treasure hunters and serious investors alike.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8)	$35 – $45
Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20)	$48 – $55
Extremely Fine (XF-45)	$65 – $75
About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58)	$85 – $150
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-63)	$180 – $400
Choice Mint State (MS-64+)	$750 – $15,000+

Understanding the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar Variations

If you just found an old silver dollar in a drawer, you might be surprised to learn that 1878 was a chaotic year for the U.S. Mint. This was the first year George T. Morgan’s design was struck, and the mint was constantly tweaking the dies. The “7TF” refers to the “7 Tail Feathers” on the eagle sitting on the reverse of the coin. Earlier in the year, the eagle had 8 tail feathers, but this was deemed botanically and artistically incorrect, leading to the change.

To accurately identify your coin, you can use a top coin identifier app like CoinKnow, which uses photo recognition to distinguish between these subtle minting varieties. Within the 7TF category, there are two major types: the “Second Reverse” (also known as the Reverse of 1878) and the “Third Reverse” (Reverse of 1879). The Second Reverse features a flat breast on the eagle and a parallel top feather on the arrows, while the Third Reverse shows a rounded breast and a slanted top arrow feather.

Most everyday Americans possess the “Reverse of 1878” version. While millions were minted, many were melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918, making high-quality survivors quite valuable today. Using an app like CoinKnow helps you zoom in on these tiny details to ensure you aren’t overlooking a multi-thousand-dollar rarity hidden in your pocket change or heirloom collection.

The Value of 1878 7 Tail Feather Silver Dollars by Condition

When determining the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar value, “condition is king.” A coin that looks shiny and new (Mint State) will always command a massive premium over one that has been clicking around in someone’s pocket for decades. Collectors use a 1-70 scale to grade coins. Most coins found in old jars typically fall into the “Circulated” category (grades 1-50), while those stored in protective cases might reach “Uncirculated” status (grades 60-70).

For instance, an 1878 7TF in “Good” condition might only be worth its silver weight plus a small collector premium. However, if your coin has no wear on Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s breast feathers, you are looking at a significantly higher market price for uncirculated Morgan Dollars. Even a single grade jump from MS-63 to MS-64 can double the price of the coin instantly.

Mint Mark	Average Circulated Value	MS-63 “Uncirculated” Value
1878 (Philadelphia – No Mint Mark)	$45 – $60	$210
1878-S (San Francisco)	$50 – $75	$240
1878-CC (Carson City)	$150 – $350	$650

Rare Varieties: The 7 Over 8 Tail Feather Mystery

Before the mint fully transitioned to the 7-feather design, they actually used old 8-feather dies and simply stamped the 7-feather design over them. These are known as the “7 Over 8 Tail Feather” (7/8 TF) varieties. If you look closely at the tail of the eagle with a magnifying glass, you might see the tips of the old feathers peeking out from underneath the new ones. These “doubled” varieties are highly sought after by specialists.

The value for these transition pieces is generally higher than the standard 1878 7TF. Because they represent a specific mistake during the first year of production, they have a “cool factor” that drives up demand at auctions. If you think you have a 7/8 variety, it is worth consulting a professional or using a high-resolution price guide for 1878 silver dollar varieties to confirm which sub-type you have.

The 7/8 TF variety also has many “VAM” designations (named after researchers Van Allen and Mallis). Some specific VAM numbers can turn a $100 coin into a $1,000 coin because of unique die cracks or “tripled” feathers. These are the kinds of details that CoinKnow users look for when hunting for “cherries” in unsearched lots.

The “Reverse of 1878” vs. “Reverse of 1879”

As mentioned earlier, there are two distinct looks for the back of the 1878 7TF coin. The “Reverse of 1878” (Second Reverse) is characterized by a flat eagle’s breast and a top arrow feather that is parallel to the other arrows. This was the original corrected design. However, late in 1878, the mint updated the design again to the “Reverse of 1879” (Third Reverse), which gave the eagle a more rounded, convex breast and slanted the top arrow feather.

The “Reverse of 1879” variety produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark) is generally scarcer than the standard “Reverse of 1878” for that year. If you find an 1878 7TF with a rounded eagle breast, you might be holding a coin that carries a 20% to 50% premium over the more common version. This is why looking at the arrows is the quickest way to tell if you have something special.

Reverse Type	Key Feature	Scarcity
Reverse of 1878 (PAF)	Parallel Arrow Feather / Flat Breast	Common
Reverse of 1879 (SAF)	Slanted Arrow Feather / Round Breast	Less Common / Premium

Mint Marks and Why They Matter

The 1878 7TF was struck at three different mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. If there is no letter below the wreath on the reverse, it was made in Philadelphia. An “S” indicates San Francisco, and a “CC” indicates Carson City. The “CC” mark is the holy grail for most casual collectors, as the Carson City mint produced much lower quantities than its counterparts.

While the 1878-CC is very famous, the 1878-S (San Francisco) is known for having a particularly beautiful strike with a very lustrous finish. Many 1878-S coins were found in original bank bags in the mid-20th century, so they are often found in high grades. Despite this, they remain valuable because everyone wants a piece of the “first year” history from the wild west mints.

If you are trying to figure out which mint produced your coin, CoinKnow can guide you right to the spot on the coin where the mint mark is hidden. Remember, a “CC” mint mark can triple the value of your 1878 7TF compared to one with no mint mark at all, so check that area carefully under a bright light!

Tips for Selling Your 1878 Morgan Dollar

If you’ve identified your 1878 7TF and believe it is valuable, the next step is knowing how to sell it without getting ripped off. First, never clean your coin! Rubbing it with a cloth or using silver polish will destroy its numismatic value, often cutting the price by 50% or more. Collectors prefer “original” skin, even if the coin looks dark or toned.

Second, consider getting the coin authenticated and graded by a service like PCGS or NGC if you suspect it is in “Mint State” (MS-63 or higher). A certified grade acts as a guarantee of quality and makes the coin much easier to sell at a fair price. For lower-grade coins, selling to a reputable local coin shop or through a trusted online marketplace is usually the most efficient path.

Finally, stay updated on current market trends. Silver prices fluctuate, and collector demand for certain years can change. Using tools like CoinKnow helps you keep an eye on recent auction results so you know exactly what a fair offer looks like when you walk into a coin shop.

FAQ

Q: Why do some 1878 Morgan Dollars have 8 tail feathers?

A: The original design of the Morgan Dollar featured an eagle with 8 tail feathers. However, some people pointed out that American eagles actually have an odd number of tail feathers. The mint quickly changed the design to 7 tail feathers later that same year, creating three main varieties for 1878: 8TF, 7/8TF, and 7TF.

Q: Is the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar made of real silver?

A: Yes, all Morgan Dollars minted between 1878 and 1921 (including the 1878 7TF) are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains about 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, meaning they always have “melt value” even if they are in poor condition.

Q: How can I tell if my 1878 7TF is a “Reverse of 1879”?

A: Look at the top feather on the bundle of arrows in the eagle’s claws. On a “Reverse of 1878,” that top feather is straight and parallel to the others. On the “Reverse of 1879,” the top feather is slanted. Additionally, the eagle’s breast is flat on the 1878 version and rounded (convex) on the 1879 version.

Q: What is the most expensive 1878 7TF ever sold?

A: While standard circulated copies sell for $40–$60, high-grade examples with “Proof-Like” (PL) or “Deep Mirror Proof-Like” (DMPL) surfaces can sell for over $15,000 to $30,000. These coins were struck so well that their backgrounds look like mirrors, a trait highly prized by elite collectors.