-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 47053
Checkout
The Certified Morgan Dollar 1878 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1878 MS63 NGC represents one of the earliest and most historically significant varieties in the Morgan silver dollar series. Introduced in 1878, the Morgan dollar marked the return of large silver dollar coinage following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated the purchase and coinage of large quantities of domestic silver. The design was the work of George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver who sought to break from neoclassical traditions by modeling Liberty on an American woman. As the first year of issue, the 1878 Morgan dollars went through a number of design modifications, making this particular variety—with seven tail feathers and the original reverse—especially collectible.
Production of the 1878 Morgan dollar began at the Philadelphia Mint, with initial coins featuring an eagle with eight tail feathers, which was soon deemed anatomically incorrect. In response to criticism, Mint officials revised the design by replacing the eight tail feathers with seven, more accurately representing the real-life bald eagle. Alongside this correction came additional subtle changes to the eagle’s appearance, including the shape of the breast and the positioning of the feathers. However, not all coins were immediately updated with the new reverse, leading to the creation of several transition varieties. The 1878 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1878 variety retains the original reverse design found on the 8 Tail Feathers coins, making it a crucial part of any comprehensive Morgan dollar collection.
The obverse of the 1878 Morgan dollar features a left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed across the headband. Surrounding her are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, along with the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date “1878.” Morgan’s portrait is distinct from earlier depictions of Liberty, emphasizing a bold, American identity. On a Mint State 63 example certified by NGC, the obverse retains considerable luster, strong strike detail, and attractive eye appeal, with only minor abrasions or marks present on high points like Liberty’s cheek or in the fields. These minor imperfections are consistent with the grade but do not detract significantly from the overall appearance.
The reverse of the 1878 7TF Rev of 78 Morgan dollar displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in Gothic script above the eagle’s head. In the Reverse of 1878 subtype, the eagle’s breast is flat rather than rounded, the arrow feather arrangement is distinctive with a slanted top arrow feather above a parallel one, and the overall design maintains finer feather detailing. These features contrast with the later Reverse of 1879, which introduced several changes in the eagle’s feather pattern and shape. In MS63 condition, the reverse remains sharply defined, with most feather and wreath elements well preserved, though some minor contact marks may be seen under magnification.
The mintage of the 1878 7TF Reverse of 78 Morgan dollar is difficult to quantify precisely due to the overlap and transitional nature of varieties produced in that year. However, it is believed that roughly 2 to 4 million coins were struck with the 7 tail feathers and Reverse of 1878 combination, making it scarcer than the more commonly encountered Reverse of 1879. Many of these coins entered circulation, further reducing the number of high-grade survivors. As such, Mint State examples certified by major grading services like NGC are especially valued, particularly in grades of MS63 and above where the coin maintains strong visual quality while remaining more affordable than near-Gem or Gem specimens.
The Philadelphia Mint, responsible for striking all Morgan dollars in 1878, did not use a mintmark, meaning this variety can only be identified by careful inspection of design details. Collectors and specialists often use diagnostic features, such as the arrow feather configuration and eagle breast shape, to distinguish between the various 1878 issues. The Reverse of 1878 is especially sought after for its connection to the original Morgan dollar design and its relatively limited period of production. Its classification as a “first-year” subtype adds to its desirability, making it a favorite among type collectors and those assembling complete Morgan dollar sets by variety.
Coins certified MS63 by NGC represent a high-quality, uncirculated standard with strong luster and overall attractive appearance. In this grade, a 1878 7TF Reverse of 78 Morgan dollar will display only light contact marks or scuffs, primarily in non-focal areas. Luster is generally intact across the fields and devices, though it may be slightly subdued compared to higher-grade examples. Strike quality tends to be sharp on both the obverse and reverse, with good definition in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers. Eye appeal in MS63 can vary slightly from coin to coin, but most examples present an attractive balance of preservation, sharpness, and affordability.
The historical context of the 1878 Morgan dollar adds another layer of interest to the coin. Its production marked a significant shift in U.S. monetary policy, stemming from the political push to remonetize silver through the Bland-Allison Act. The act required the U.S. Treasury to purchase millions of ounces of silver each month and convert them into dollars, giving rise to the massive output of Morgan silver dollars over the following decades. As the first entry in a series that would last until 1921, the 1878 issues—especially with unique varieties like the 7TF Reverse of 78—capture the experimentation and urgency of that initial year. Each design revision reflects real-time decisions made by Mint officials to improve the coin’s design and better reflect American symbolism and artistry.
The certified 1878 7TF Reverse of 78 Morgan dollar MS63 NGC is particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate historical nuance and early varieties. Its place at the intersection of design evolution and technical refinement makes it more than just another silver dollar—it is a tangible artifact of Mint craftsmanship and administrative decision-making. Collectors who focus on variety attribution or VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) research often seek out this coin to study and enjoy its distinguishing features, and its inclusion in an NGC holder ensures authenticity, accurate grading, and long-term protection.
As the popularity of Morgan dollars continues to rise among numismatists and investors alike, key early varieties such as the 1878 7TF Reverse of 78 have earned a lasting place in the spotlight. Certified Mint State examples like this MS63 NGC specimen provide an optimal balance between visual appeal, historical importance, and market accessibility. Whether as part of a type set, variety collection, or Morgan dollar registry set, this coin offers enduring interest and value. With its bold design, unique variety attributes, and status as a first-year issue, the 1878 7TF Reverse of 78 Morgan dollar remains a cornerstone of American silver dollar collecting.