-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56339
Checkout
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8TF MS62 ICG is an important and distinctive variant from the inaugural year of the Morgan Dollar series. As a transitional variety, the 7 over 8 Tail Feathers (7/8TF) coin is a result of an early design correction made by the U.S. Mint when they revised the eagle’s tail feathers from the original eight to the more accurate seven. The overpunching of the dies—rather than producing new ones outright—resulted in a fascinating and highly collectible subtype. Graded Mint State 62 by ICG (Independent Coin Graders), this example exhibits full uncirculated detail with moderate contact marks and bright luster, offering collectors an authentic piece of numismatic history from the series’ genesis.
The Morgan Dollar was born from the economic policies of the late 19th century, specifically the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the purchase and coinage of large amounts of domestic silver. Designed by George T. Morgan, an English engraver who had recently joined the U.S. Mint, the Morgan Dollar was the first standard silver dollar minted after the end of the Seated Liberty series in 1873. Morgan’s new design was a bold break from tradition, emphasizing both classical artistry and uniquely American motifs that would define the denomination from 1878 through 1904, and again in 1921.
The earliest 1878 Morgan Dollars featured an eagle with eight tail feathers—a mistake from a biological standpoint, as real bald eagles have an odd number of tail feathers. The Mint quickly sought to correct the error by issuing a new reverse with seven tail feathers. Rather than discarding the original dies, mint workers re-engraved the existing 8TF dies to show only seven feathers, resulting in the overpunched 7/8TF variety. This process left faint traces of the underlying eighth feather visible beneath the seven, producing a distinctive and highly desirable feature for collectors interested in minting anomalies and transitional types.
The obverse of the coin features Morgan’s powerful depiction of Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap and a crown composed of cotton and wheat—symbolizing agricultural prosperity and freedom. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs above her head, with the date “1878” below and thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The portrait is rendered in a high-relief style that reflects Morgan’s training in classical sculpture and coin design. This bold interpretation helped set a new artistic standard for U.S. coinage in the post-Civil War era.
The reverse bears the image of a majestic eagle with wings fully spread, grasping arrows and an olive branch in its talons—symbols of strength and peace. The eagle is surrounded by a wreath and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The hallmark of the 7/8TF variety is found in the tail feathers, where sharp-eyed collectors can spot the overlapping design: seven visible feathers with remnants of the original eight feather configuration still faintly appearing beneath or between them. On strong examples, all eight feather shafts are partially visible, giving the variety its nickname: the “Strong” 7/8TF.
This coin was minted in Philadelphia, which produced all 8TF and 7/8TF varieties in 1878. Since the Philadelphia Mint did not use mintmarks at that time, no mintmark appears on this issue. The total mintage of 7/8TF coins is relatively small, estimated at fewer than 750,000 pieces, making it one of the scarcer subtypes of the Morgan Dollar’s debut year. Its status as an emergency die correction and transitional type makes it a vital part of any specialized Morgan Dollar collection, especially for those assembling a comprehensive type or variety set.
Mint State 62, as assigned by ICG, signifies a coin that retains full original detail and luster but may show more noticeable contact marks or scuffs than higher-graded pieces. It is still uncirculated and visually attractive, with no wear from handling in commerce. The ICG holder provides solid protection and assurance of authenticity, even if the grading tier is slightly more lenient compared to top-tier firms like PCGS or NGC. Still, ICG-certified coins are respected by collectors, especially when authenticity and variety attribution are the primary concerns.
The MS62 grade allows collectors to own a well-preserved example of this historically important variety without the significant premium commanded by higher Mint State grades. While MS63 and MS64 examples of the 7/8TF often command a considerable numismatic premium, MS62 coins offer a balance between affordability and condition. These coins exhibit strong strike quality, particularly important for identifying the overpunched tail feathers, and typically retain substantial eye appeal, especially when paired with bright cartwheel luster or toning.
Collectors of Morgan Dollars often include all three major 1878 reverse varieties—8TF, 7/8TF, and 7TF—in their sets. The 7/8TF is often considered the most technically intriguing of the three, as it reflects an active design modification still visible on the finished coin. The precision required to execute the overpunch without entirely obliterating the earlier feather detail offers insights into 19th-century minting techniques and the challenges faced by engravers and die-sinkers working under pressure.
In terms of investment and collector demand, the 7/8TF Morgan Dollar holds a strong position due to its unique nature and historical relevance. As an early U.S. Mint correction, it appeals to those interested in numismatic errors and variety collecting. Moreover, being a first-year issue of one of the most collected coin series in American history gives it added historical weight. Its silver content—90% silver and 10% copper—adds intrinsic value, though its collector value far outweighs its melt value due to scarcity and appeal.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8TF MS62 ICG is a compelling numismatic specimen that represents both a mistake and its correction—literally struck into silver. As a transitional variety from the first year of Morgan Dollar production, it holds special status among type collectors and enthusiasts of minting history. With its original luster, bold design, and certified Mint State preservation, it offers a fascinating and affordable opportunity to own a piece of early American silver dollar history with a story etched into every detail.