The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $40 in worn condition to over $3,500 in high-grade mint state. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a transitional moment in American minting history when the design of the iconic Eagle was being subtly refined.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G4) to Very Good (VG8)	$38 – $45
Fine (F12) to Very Fine (VF20)	$50 – $65
Extremely Fine (XF40)	$85 – $110
About Uncirculated (AU50+)	$150 – $280
Mint State (MS63)	$450 – $600
Gem Mint State (MS65+)	$3,200 – $15,000+

Understanding the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Variety

If you’ve recently found an old silver dollar in a drawer or inherited a collection, you might be looking at a piece of history. The 1878 Morgan Dollar was the first year this legendary coin was struck. However, not all 1878 dollars are the same. If you are unsure exactly which version you have, using a top coin identifier app like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between the different tail feather counts and eagle designs.

The “7TF Reverse of 1879” refers to a specific design update. Originally, the eagle on the back of the coin had eight tail feathers. This was quickly changed to seven feathers. Within the seven-feather varieties, there are two distinct types: the “Reverse of 1878” (with a flat breast on the eagle) and the “Reverse of 1879” (with a rounded, slanted top on the top arrow feather).

The Reverse of 1879 variety is highly sought after because it used the improved design intended for the following year. Identifying this subtle difference is key to determining if your coin is a common pocket piece or a high-value rarity. Many beginners use the CoinKnow app to zoom in on the eagle’s breast and feathers to confirm they have the correct variety before heading to a dealer.

How to Identify the Slanted Top Arrow Feather (SAF)

To find the value of your coin, you must first confirm it is the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879. The most obvious indicator is the “Top Arrow Feather” (TAF). On the original 1878 design, the top feather of the arrows held by the eagle is straight and parallel to the shaft. On the “Reverse of 1879,” that top feather is slanted at the top, and the eagle’s breast appears more rounded and muscular.

This specific change makes the coin much more visually appealing to many collectors. Checking the 1878 silver dollar value guide details will show you that while millions were minted, those in pristine condition with the 1879 reverse carry a significant premium. You should also check the mint mark on the reverse, located just above the letters “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR.”

Feature	Reverse of 1878 (PAF)	Reverse of 1879 (SAF)
Top Arrow Feather	Parallel (Flat)	Slanted
Eagle’s Breast	Flat	Rounded/Convex
Rarity Level	Common	Scarcer in High Grade

Market Value Factors for the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar

The physical condition of your coin, or its “grade,” is the biggest factor in its price. Most 1878 dollars found today have been circulated, meaning they were used as actual money in the late 19th century. These coins show wear on Lady Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s breast. If your coin still has its original “luster” (that shiny, frosted look), the value can skyrocket into the thousands.

Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the gold standard for verifying these coins. When looking at 1878 Morgan Dollar market prices, you will notice that even a single point difference in technical grade can result in a price swing of hundreds of dollars. For an average American who isn’t a professional numismatist, using an app like CoinKnow is a great first step to getting a “ballpark” grade.

Remember that cleaning your coin is a massive “no-no” in the hobby. Even if the coin looks dirty or dark (toning), cleaning it with chemicals or a cloth will create micro-scratches that permanently destroy its collector value. A dirty, original coin is almost always worth more than a shiny, cleaned one.

The Significance of Mint Marks

The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar was primarily produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which means most specimens do not have a mint mark. However, other mints were active during this era. While the “Reverse of 1879” is most famously associated with the Philadelphia strikes of 1878, collectors always look for the “CC” (Carson City) or “S” (San Francisco) marks.

The lack of a mint mark doesn’t mean your coin is fake; it simply means it was born in the “City of Brotherly Love.” Philadelphia was the main hub for the United States Mint and produced the majority of these transitional varieties. Because the 1878 series has so many varieties (8TF, 7/8TF, and 7TF), making sure yours is specifically the 1879-style reverse is vital for accurate pricing.

Mint Mark	Location	Relative Value
None (Philadelphia)	N/A	Standard (Base Guide)
S (San Francisco)	Above DOLLAR	Premium in High Grades
CC (Carson City)	Above DOLLAR	High Premium (Very Scarce)

Recent Auction Trends for 1878 7TF Coins

The market for Morgan Dollars has seen a huge surge in interest over the last few years. As more people look for tangible assets like silver, the “numismatic” (collector) value of these coins has remained strong. For the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879, auction results show that coins with “eye appeal”—meaning pretty colors or exceptionally sharp details—often sell for 20% to 50% above the listed book values.

For example, a common MS63 (Uncirculated) specimen might sell for $500, but one with vibrant rainbow toning could easily fetch $1,000 at a major auction house like Heritage or Stacks Bowers. These trends show that the “Reverse of 1879” is a stable investment for many collectors. If you’re wondering if your coin is “auction quality,” check CoinKnow to see recent realized prices for similar-looking items.

Is Your 1878 Silver Dollar a VAM Variety?

In the world of Morgan Dollars, there is a sub-specialty called “VAM” collecting (named after Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis). These enthusiasts look for tiny die cracks, scratches, or doubling on the coins. Many 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 coins fall into specific VAM categories that can add even more value.

While identifying a VAM involves using a high-powered magnifying glass or a microscope, it’s worth the effort. Some “Top 100” VAMs can turn a $100 coin into a $500 coin overnight. Most everyday Americans can stick to the basic “Slanted Top Arrow Feather” identification, but if you notice something “weird” about the letters or the date, it might be worth having a professional take a closer look.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell the difference between 7 and 8 tail feathers?

A: Simply look at the eagle on the back. Count the large feathers sticking out from the bottom of its tail. The very first 1878 design had 8, but they quickly realized modern eagles actually have an odd number of feathers, so they changed it to 7.

Q: What does “Reverse of 1879” mean if the coin says 1878 on the front?

A: The U.S. Mint often prepared dies (the stamps used to make coins) in advance. In late 1878, they started using the updated eagle design that was originally intended for the 1879 production year. This “hybrid” coin is what collectors call the Reverse of 1879 variety.

Q: Why is the “Slanted Top Arrow Feather” important?

A: It is the easiest way to identify the more desirable 1879 reverse. On the older 1878 reverse, the feather is flat. On the 1879 reverse, the top feather is slanted. This small detail can significantly change the value of the coin in higher grades.

Q: Should I get my 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar graded?

A: If the coin looks brand new and has no wear on the eagle or Liberty’s ear, yes. Grading costs about $30-$50 per coin, so it only makes sense for coins worth over $150. If your coin is very worn, it’s best to keep it in a simple plastic flip.