How Much Is a 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?
If you have an 1878 Morgan silver dollar, you may be wondering how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth today. The answer can range from a relatively modest premium over its silver value to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for exceptional examples and scarce varieties. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth Morgan Silver coins
The 1878 Morgan silver dollar is especially interesting to collectors because it was the first year of the Morgan dollar series and was produced with several different reverse designs. The coin’s mint mark, variety, condition, and certification can all have a major impact on its value. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth, According to current PCGS Price Guide listings, many uncirculated 1878 Morgan dollar varieties have guide values ranging from roughly $90 to several hundred dollars at lower uncirculated grades, while exceptional high-grade examples can be worth many thousands of dollars. 1884 Carson City Morgan Dollar NGC MS65
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth at a Glance
There is no single value for every 1878 Morgan dollar. As an example, current PCGS guide listings for uncirculated coins show substantial differences between major 1878 varieties:
| 1878 Morgan Dollar Variety | Example PCGS MS Guide Values |
|---|---|
| 1878 8 Tail Feathers | About $90+ in lower listed MS grades |
| 1878 7/8 Tail Feathers Strong | About $85+ in lower listed MS grades |
| 1878 7 Tail Feathers, Reverse of 1878 | About $90+ in lower listed MS grades |
| 1878 7 Tail Feathers, Reverse of 1879 | About $90+ in lower listed MS grades |
| 1878-CC | About $165+ in lower listed MS grades |
| 1878-S | About $80–$90+ in lower listed MS grades |
These are guide values, not guaranteed buying or selling prices. PCGS’s current listings show that prices increase dramatically for some high-grade varieties. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63 CAC Approved
Why Is the 1878 Morgan Dollar Valuable?
The 1878 Morgan dollar has several characteristics that make it particularly desirable to collectors.
First, it is the first year of the Morgan dollar series. Second, the U.S. Mint changed the reverse design several times during 1878. This resulted in multiple collectible varieties. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth ARC 2025 1/10ozGold American Eagle BU
NGC’s VarietyPlus database recognizes numerous 1878 Morgan dollar varieties, including multiple 8 Tail Feathers VAM varieties.
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth, That means two Morgan dollars carrying the same 1878 date can have very different values. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth ARC Gold Britannia 1oz BU
1878 Morgan Dollar 8 Tail Feathers
One of the best-known 1878 Morgan dollar varieties is the 8 Tail Feathers issue.
Early 1878 Morgan dollars were struck with eight tail feathers on the eagle. The reverse design was subsequently modified, producing the seven-tail-feather varieties that collectors encounter on later Morgan dollars.
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth, The 8 Tail Feathers variety is an important part of the history of the Morgan dollar series. PCGS currently lists values beginning around $90 for lower uncirculated grades, while exceptionally high-grade examples can reach substantially higher prices. Its current guide shows some MS68 examples at approximately $85,000 and MS69 examples around $110,000. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth ARC 1 oz Silver American Eagle BU 1986-2025
1878 7/8 Tail Feathers Morgan Dollar
Another important variety is the 1878 7/8 Tail Feathers Strong Morgan dollar.
This variety shows evidence of the original eight-tail-feather design underneath the modified seven-tail-feather design. Collectors can identify different varieties based on the characteristics of the reverse.
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth, PCGS currently lists the 7/8 Tail Feathers Strong variety at approximately $85 in lower listed MS grades, with values rising substantially at higher grades. Its guide currently reaches approximately $60,000 for an MS68 example. ARC 2025 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle BU
1878 7 Tail Feathers Morgan Dollars
The 1878 seven-tail-feather Morgan dollars include additional reverse varieties, including the Reverse of 1878 and Reverse of 1879.
These varieties are important because subtle differences in the reverse design can significantly affect collector interest and value.
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth, Current PCGS guide values demonstrate this difference. For example, the guide lists MS63 examples of the 1878 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1878 at approximately $225, while the Reverse of 1879 variety is listed around $450 at MS63. Higher grades can bring substantially larger premiums. ARC 2025 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle Coin BU
How Much Is an 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?
The 1878-CC Morgan silver dollar was struck at the Carson City Mint and is identified by the CC mint mark on the reverse.
Carson City Morgan dollars are popular with collectors, and the 1878-CC is an important first-year issue.
PCGS currently lists 1878-CC Morgan dollars at approximately $165 in lower listed MS grades, with guide values increasing through higher grades. For example, the current PCGS guide lists approximately $240 for MS20, while higher-grade examples can command substantially more.
how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth, If your 1878 Morgan dollar has a CC mint mark, it is worth examining carefully before assuming it has only ordinary circulated value. 2026 Silver American Eagle
How Much Is an 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?
The 1878-S Morgan dollar was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Current PCGS guide listings show lower-grade uncirculated examples around the $80–$90 range, with values increasing for higher-grade coins.
As with other Morgan dollars, condition is extremely important. A well-preserved, professionally graded example can be worth considerably more than a heavily circulated coin. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth ARC China 1 oz Gold Panda BU
What Determines the Value of an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar?
Several factors should be considered when determining the value of your coin. ARC 1oz Australia Gold Kangaroo BU
1. Condition and Grade
Condition is one of the biggest factors affecting the value of an 1878 Morgan dollar.
A heavily circulated coin may have considerable wear on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. An uncirculated Morgan dollar, by contrast, has no wear from circulation and can retain considerable original luster.
Professional grading services assign numerical grades that allow collectors and dealers to compare coins more consistently.
For high-grade 1878 varieties, even a one-point difference in grade can represent a substantial change in guide value.
2. Mint Mark
Check the reverse of the coin beneath the wreath.
An 1878 Morgan dollar may have:
- No mint mark — Philadelphia
- CC — Carson City
- S — San Francisco
The mint mark can have a significant effect on collector demand and value.
3. Reverse Variety
The 1878 Morgan dollar is unusual because several reverse designs were used during its first year.
Important varieties include:
- 8 Tail Feathers
- 7/8 Tail Feathers Strong
- 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1878
- 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1879
NGC’s variety database documents numerous recognized 1878 Morgan dollar varieties and VAM designations.
4. Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Designations
Some Morgan dollars have highly reflective surfaces and can qualify for Prooflike (PL) or Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) designations.
These designations can add significant premiums to certain coins. PCGS maintains separate market values for PL and DMPL Morgan dollars, demonstrating the potential difference compared with standard uncirculated examples.
5. Certification
Professional certification can help establish a coin’s authenticity, variety, and grade.
For particularly valuable or high-grade 1878 Morgan dollars, a certified example can be easier for buyers to evaluate because the coin’s grade and identifying information have been independently documented. ARC Gold Austrian Philharmonic 1oz BU
How to Identify an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar
Start by examining both sides of the coin.
Obverse
The obverse features Liberty, designed by George T. Morgan. The date 1878 appears below the portrait.
Look closely at Liberty’s hair, cheek, and other high points for signs of wear.
Reverse
The reverse features an eagle surrounded by a wreath.
This is the most important side to examine for determining the major 1878 varieties. Check the eagle’s tail feathers and look beneath the wreath for a mint mark.
A magnifying glass can make these details easier to see. 1872 Philadelphia Liberty Head $5 Gold Half Eagle – NGC AU55
Does the Silver Content Affect the Value?
Yes. Morgan dollars were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of approximately 26.73 grams.
The intrinsic silver value provides a baseline, but collectible Morgan dollars can be worth considerably more than their melt value.
The numismatic value of an 1878 Morgan dollar depends on factors such as rarity, grade, variety, mint mark, and market demand.
Because silver prices fluctuate, the metal value of the coin also changes over time. PCGS’s current Morgan dollar guide was showing silver around $65 per ounce when its September 2026 guide data was retrieved. ARC Liberty Gold Double Eagle BU 1850-1907
Is an 1878 Morgan Dollar Rare?
Not every 1878 Morgan dollar is rare.
Large numbers of Morgan dollars were produced, and some 1878 issues remain relatively accessible to collectors. However, particular varieties and very high-grade examples can be scarce.
This is why it is important not to determine the value of an 1878 Morgan dollar solely from its date.
A common circulated example and an exceptionally preserved, rare variety may have dramatically different values. ARC Gold Liberty Eagle
How Can You Tell If Your 1878 Morgan Dollar Is Valuable?
If you have an 1878 Morgan dollar, follow these steps:
- Confirm the date is 1878.
- Look for a mint mark beneath the wreath.
- Examine the eagle’s tail feathers.
- Look for signs of circulation and wear.
- Check for unusual varieties or VAM characteristics.
- Determine whether the coin may qualify as PL or DMPL.
- Compare the coin with current certified examples.
- Consider professional authentication and grading for potentially valuable coins.
Avoid cleaning the coin before having it evaluated. Cleaning can alter the original surface and may negatively affect collector appeal. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth ARC 24k Gold Buffalo 1oz BU
