1878 Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1878 Morgan silver dollar is one of the most historically important coins in American numismatics. As the first year of the Morgan dollar series, the 1878 issue marks the beginning of a coinage program that would become one of the most collected series of U.S. silver dollars. how much is a 1878 morgan silver dollar worth

Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper and features Liberty on the obverse and an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. Collectors particularly value the 1878 Morgan silver dollar because the U.S. Mint made several important design changes during its first year of production. 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63 CAC Approved

What Is an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar?

The 1878 Morgan silver dollar was the inaugural issue of the Morgan dollar series. It was authorized following the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. government to purchase large quantities of silver for coinage. 1884 Carson City Morgan Dollar NGC MS65

George T. Morgan designed the dollar, with Liberty portrayed on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The coin has a diameter of approximately 38.1 millimeters and was struck from an alloy containing 90% silver and 10% copper.

Because the design was revised several times during 1878, collectors can encounter multiple major varieties of the 1878 Morgan silver dollar. 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS63

1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Varieties

One of the most interesting features of the 1878 Morgan dollar is the number of reverse varieties produced during its first year.

1878 8 Tail Feathers

The earliest Morgan dollars featured eight tail feathers beneath the eagle. This was the original reverse design used at the beginning of production.

Approximately 750,000 examples of the 8 Tail Feathers variety are generally attributed to the 1878 Philadelphia production, although historical research indicates that exact variety-level production figures are estimates rather than official Mint records.

1878 7 Over 8 Tail Feathers

The Mint subsequently modified the reverse to show seven tail feathers. Some working dies were modified from the earlier design, creating distinctive 7 over 8 Tail Feathers varieties.

These coins are especially interesting to variety collectors because remnants of the original tail feathers can sometimes be identified beneath the revised design. Coson, After 54 BC Thracian Or Scythian NGC AU PQ coin

1878 7 Tail Feathers

The final major reverse design used in 1878 features seven tail feathers. This version is divided into additional varieties, including the Reverse of 1878 and Reverse of 1879.

The Reverse of 1878 generally has seven tail feathers, a parallel top arrow feather, and a concave breast on the eagle. The later Reverse of 1879 has a slanted top arrow feather and a more rounded or convex eagle breast. 1783MO FF Mexico 8R El Cazador Genuine

1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Mintage

The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 10.51 million business-strike 1878 Morgan dollars across the different varieties. The Mint did not record separate official production totals for each reverse variety, so estimates for individual varieties are based on numismatic research.

The 1878 Morgan dollar was also produced at other U.S. Mint facilities. The mintmark can therefore be an important factor when identifying a particular example. how do you clean ancient roman coins

How Much Is an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?

The value of an 1878 Morgan silver dollar depends on several factors, including:

• Mintmark
• Reverse variety
• Condition and grade
• Original luster
• Strike quality
• Surface preservation
• Toning
• Prooflike or Deep Mirror Prooflike characteristics
• Die variety or VAM attribution
• Collector demand

Common circulated examples can be collectible primarily for their historical significance and silver content, while high-grade specimens and scarce varieties can command substantially higher premiums. 1861 1C Indian Head PCGS MS64

For example, PCGS records a significant auction result for an 1878 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1878 graded MS66+, demonstrating how dramatically condition can affect the market for early Morgan dollars. ARC Gold Britannia 1oz BU

Because prices change with market conditions, collectors should evaluate an 1878 Morgan dollar based on its specific variety and certified or estimated grade rather than relying on a single price for all 1878 examples. ARC Gold Austrian Philharmonic 1oz BU

How to Identify an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar

Start by examining the reverse of the coin. The number and arrangement of the eagle’s tail feathers can help identify which major 1878 variety you have.

Look for:

1. Eight tail feathers — associated with the earliest 1878 reverse.
2. Seven over eight tail feathers — evidence of the revised design being applied over the earlier reverse.
3. Seven tail feathers — used on later 1878 Morgan dollars.
4. Arrow feather orientation — useful for distinguishing different seven-tail-feather reverses.
5. Eagle’s breast shape — another diagnostic characteristic of the major reverse designs.

Specialized VAM references can be used to identify more specific die varieties. PCGS notes that hundreds of Morgan dollar varieties have been cataloged using the VAM system developed by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.

Why Collect an 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar?

The 1878 issue has an important place in American coin collecting because it represents the first year of the Morgan silver dollar series. It also provides collectors with several distinct designs and varieties within a single date.

For collectors building a Morgan dollar collection, an 1878 example can provide an introduction to:

• Early Morgan dollar history
• U.S. Mint production
• Silver coinage
• Morgan reverse varieties
• VAM die varieties
• Coin grading
• Prooflike and DMPL examples

The unusual transition from eight to seven tail feathers makes the 1878 issue particularly appealing to collectors interested in studying die varieties. ARC 1oz Australia Gold Kangaroo BU

1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Specifications

Feature	Specification
Year	1878
Denomination	$1
Designer	George T. Morgan
Metal	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Diameter	38.1 mm
Edge	Reeded
Series	Morgan Silver Dollars
First Year of Issue	Yes

The standard Morgan dollar composition was 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of approximately 38.1 millimeters.

1878 Morgan Silver Dollar for Collectors

Whether you are researching a coin inherited from a family collection or looking to add an early Morgan dollar to your collection, the 1878 Morgan silver dollar offers considerable historical and numismatic interest. ARC 2025 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle BU

Its status as the first Morgan dollar, combined with the unusual series of reverse changes made during 1878, makes this date especially useful for collectors who want to explore the development of the Morgan dollar design. ARC 2025 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle Coin BU

When evaluating an 1878 Morgan silver dollar, pay close attention to the mintmark, reverse variety, condition, and any potential VAM attribution. These characteristics can have a significant influence on collector interest and market value. ARC 2025 1/10ozGold American Eagle BU