The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $150 in well-worn condition to over $10,000 for high-grade specimens. This specific variety, often called the “Top 100” VAM, is a favorite among collectors because it represents a transitional moment in American minting history at the San Francisco Mint.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Good to Very Fine (Circulated)	$150 – $350
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated	$400 – $800
Mint State 60 – 62	$1,200 – $2,500
Mint State 63 – 65+	$3,500 – $15,000+

Identifying the Rare 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Variety

If you have found an old silver dollar in a drawer or inherited a collection, you might be holding a hidden treasure. To accurately identify this coin, you can use a top coin identifier app to spot the subtle differences between the common 1879-S and the rare variety. The “Reverse of 1878” refers to the eagle on the back of the coin. In 1878, the mint modified the design, but in 1879, some leftover dies from the previous year were used at the San Francisco Mint.

The most obvious way to tell the difference is to look at the eagle’s breast and the arrow feathers. On the rare Reverse of 1878 (also known as the “Flat Breast” or “PAAF” – Parallel Arrow Feather), the eagle’s breast is flat rather than rounded. Furthermore, the top feather of the bunch of arrows held by the eagle is parallel to the others, and the serif on the letter “t” in “Trust” is different.

Because these differences are so small, many amateur collectors miss them. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on these high-resolution details to confirm what you have. A standard 1879-S Morgan is worth about $30-$60 in average condition, but the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 variety is a much scarcer “mule” that commands a massive premium.

Market Value and Rare Coin Pricing for 1879-S Varieties

The market for Morgan Dollars is incredibly active, and the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is one of the most sought-after “key” varieties. Unlike common silver coins that trade based on their silver weight, this coin trades based on its historical rarity. Even in lower grades where the coin shows significant wear, it maintains a value of at least $150. As the condition improves, the price climbs exponentially.

For those looking for specific market data, you can view the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 price trends to see how these coins have performed at recent auctions. Collectors often engage in “cherry-picking,” which is the practice of looking through bins of unsearched coins hoping to find this specific variety mislabeled as a common 1879-S.

The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is significantly rarer than its counterpart, the Reverse of 1879 (Slanting Arrow Feather). While millions of the standard 1879-S coins were minted, only a small fraction featured the older 1878 design. This scarcity makes it a “must-have” for VAM collectors who specialize in die varieties.

Grade (Sheldon Scale)	Average Auction Price	Scarcity Level
VF20 (Very Fine)	$275	Scarce
AU50 (About Uncirculated)	$750	Very Scarce
MS63 (Choice Mint State)	$4,200	Rare
MS65 (Gem Mint State)	$18,500+	Ultra Rare

How Condition Impacts Your 1879-S Silver Dollar Value

In the world of numismatics, condition is everything. A single scratch or a dull finish can mean the difference between a coin worth $500 and one worth $5,000. When evaluating your coin, professional graders look for “luster,” which is the original frosty shine the coin had when it left the mint. For the 1879-S Reverse of 1878, finding a specimen with original luster is difficult because many were circulated in the Wild West.

Collectors use the 1-70 Sheldon Scale to determine value. If you aren’t sure where your coin falls, checking an online value guide for 1879 silver dollars can provide visual references. Typically, any coin that has “bag marks” (small nicks from hitting other coins in a canvas bag) will be graded lower, even if it was never spent.

If you believe you have a high-grade version of this variety, it is often worth the investment to have it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A “certified” variety is much easier to sell for its full potential value. Before spending money on grading fees, you can use CoinKnow to get an initial estimate of whether the coin is a candidate for professional submission.

The “Parallel Arrow Feather” vs. “Slanted Arrow Feather”

To truly understand why the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is special, you have to look at the arrows in the eagle’s left talon. On the common 1879-S (Reverse of 1879), the top arrow feather is slanted, and the eagle has a rounded, “convex” breast. This was the updated design intended for that year. However, the Reverse of 1878 variety features parallel arrow feathers and a flat breast.

This mistake occurred because the San Francisco mint was still using the 1878 dies early in the year. Because the Morgan Dollar was only in its second year of production, the United States Mint was still tweaking the design for better striking quality. The flat breast of the 1878 design was deemed less attractive than the “poofier” 1879 version, hence the change.

Finding the “parallel” version is like finding a misprint in a rare book. It shouldn’t exist, but it does, and that mistake is exactly what creates value in the eyes of enthusiasts. If you are comparing two coins and one looks “flatter” on the back, you likely have the more valuable 1879-S variety.

Feature	Reverse of 1878 (Rare)	Reverse of 1879 (Common)
Eagle’s Breast	Flat / Sunken	Rounded / Convex
Arrow Feathers	Top feather is parallel	Top feather is slanted
Mint Mark (S)	Found on both	Found on both
Collector Demand	Very High (VAM 27)	Moderate

Where to Sell Your 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar

Once you’ve identified your coin using CoinKnow and confirmed its variety, your next step is deciding whether to keep it or sell it. Because the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, you should avoid taking it to a local pawn shop. Pawn shops usually pay “melt value” (the price of the silver metal) rather than the numismatic value.

The best places to sell high-value Morgan dollars are specialized coin auctions or reputable local coin dealers who are members of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). Selling through an auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections is a great way to ensure you get the current market rate, though they will take a percentage as a commission.

If you prefer a quick sale, prepare your research beforehand. Show the dealer the specific “Flat Breast” and “Parallel Arrow Feather” characteristics. Being an informed seller is the best way to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of. Remember, the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is an “elite” variety, and buyers are always looking for authentic, high-quality examples to add to their registries.

Final Tips for Coin Storage and Preservation

If you aren’t ready to sell your 1879-S Silver Dollar yet, you must store it properly. Silver is a reactive metal and can “tarnish” or “tone” if exposed to air and moisture. While some collectors love “rainbow toning,” most prefer a clean, white silver look. To protect your coin’s value, never clean it! Cleaning a coin with polish or even soap and water creates microscopic scratches that will instantly destroy its collector value.

Instead, place the coin in a PVC-free plastic holder or a “flip.” If the coin is exceptionally valuable (MS60 or higher), sending it to a grading service will seal it in a hard plastic “slab,” which preserves the condition and guarantees the grade for future buyers. Keeping your coin in a cool, dry place like a safe or a deposit box is the best way to ensure that its value continues to grow over the coming decades.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1879-S is the expensive one?

A: Turn the coin to the back (tails side). Look at the bundle of arrows held by the eagle. If the top feather is parallel to the ones below it, and the eagle’s breast looks flat rather than rounded, you likely have the rare Reverse of 1878 variety.

Q: Is every 1879-S Silver Dollar rare?

A: No. The standard 1879-S Morgan Dollar is very common, with over 9 million minted. These are generally worth between $35 and $60. Only the “Reverse of 1878” variety with the parallel arrow feathers is considered rare and valuable.

Q: Should I clean my 1879-S Morgan Dollar to make it look better?

A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a vintage coin is the fastest way to lose 50% or more of its value. Collectors want coins with their original “skin” and patina. Even if the coin looks dark or dirty, leave it exactly as it is.

Q: What does the “S” mint mark mean?

A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. You can find this small letter on the back of the coin, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR,” located between the ribbon of the wreath.

Q: Where can I get an 1879-S Reverse of 1878 authenticated?

A: The most trusted organizations for authentication and grading are PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). You can also use the CoinKnow app for a preliminary digital identification.