Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8TF Strong MS62 PCGS

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  • Product ID: 56893
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  • Description:

    The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8 Tail Feathers (7/8TF) Strong variety in MS62 condition by PCGS is one of the most intriguing and sought-after varieties from the first year of Morgan Dollar production. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin is a distinctive product of the Mint’s experimental period during the launch of the Morgan series. With its bold overstrike and rich historical context, the 1878 7/8TF Strong variety holds a place of honor among variety specialists and collectors of early U.S. silver coinage. Graded Mint State 62 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this example offers collectors a well-preserved, certified piece of this numismatic anomaly.

    The Morgan Silver Dollar, first issued in 1878, was created in response to the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of domestic silver and strike it into coinage. Designed by Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan, the coin was intended to symbolize a new American identity with a fresh take on Liberty. The first Morgan Dollars were struck with an eagle bearing eight tail feathers, which was quickly deemed anatomically incorrect, as real eagles have an odd number of tail feathers. This led to a redesign with seven tail feathers, resulting in several varieties that mark the transition from one design to the next.

    The 7/8 Tail Feathers variety emerged from this transition. Rather than discarding or replacing the dies engraved with the original 8 tail feathers, Mint engravers reworked the dies by punching seven tail feathers over the original eight. On some coins, the underlying 8 feathers are clearly visible beneath the new 7-feather engraving—these are classified as the “Strong” variety due to the prominence of the overstrike. The result is a dramatic visual feature on the reverse that shows doubled tail feather lines, creating a layered and unmistakable appearance that fascinates collectors and adds significant value to the coin.

    The obverse of the 1878 7/8TF Morgan Dollar is the classic depiction of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a ribbon reading “LIBERTY,” and with agricultural elements such as wheat and cotton entwined in her hair. Surrounding her are the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies. The date “1878” is centered beneath Liberty’s neck. On well-struck Mint State 62 examples, the details of Liberty’s hair, facial features, and cap remain crisp, though light contact marks and abrasions are typical for the grade.

    The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch, with a laurel wreath encircling the lower part of the design. Above the eagle’s head appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” form the border inscriptions. The most prominent feature is, of course, the tail feathers, where seven feathers have been punched over eight, producing a highly visible doubled effect. In the Strong variety, the remnants of the original eighth feathers are clearly defined beneath the seven, making it an unmistakable and dramatic variety easily confirmed even without magnification.

    All 1878 7/8TF Morgan Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and thus bear no mintmark. While the total mintage of 1878 Morgan Dollars from Philadelphia was over 9.7 million coins, only a small fraction exhibit the 7/8 Tail Feathers overstrike. The precise number of “Strong” examples is unknown, but it is widely considered the rarer and more desirable of the two 7/8TF subtypes (the other being “Weak,” where the underlying feathers are faint or barely visible). PCGS recognizes both varieties, and the Strong version commands a higher premium, particularly in Mint State grades.

    In MS62 condition, the coin retains full mint luster and sharp design details, though it may show moderate bag marks or surface chatter, particularly on the cheek of Liberty or in the open fields. These minor abrasions are typical of the MS62 grade and do not detract significantly from the coin’s overall eye appeal. The tail feather overstrike remains crisp and easily visible on both circulated and uncirculated coins, but it is especially appreciated on mint-state specimens, where the contrast between the original and corrected feathers is fully preserved.

    PCGS certification ensures the authenticity, variety attribution, and grade of the coin. The encapsulation in a secure holder protects the coin from environmental damage and provides confidence to collectors and investors. The label clearly identifies the coin as the “1878 7/8TF Strong” variety and includes the MS62 grade, which denotes a coin that is strictly uncirculated but shows moderate contact marks. Collectors prize PCGS-graded examples for their market trust and resale liquidity, particularly for prominent varieties like this one that are recognized and cataloged in major numismatic references, including the VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) system.

    The Morgan Dollar series is filled with fascinating varieties, but few rival the visual impact and historic relevance of the 7/8 Tail Feathers Strong. It represents a moment in Mint history where production pressures and design corrections collided, producing a variety that blends technical imperfection with artistic adaptation. The 1878 7/8TF Strong is also important for collectors assembling type sets, transition sets, or VAM collections. Its distinctive features ensure it is not only a key variety for Morgan Dollar enthusiasts but also a rewarding acquisition for those drawn to early U.S. Mint production history.

    The market value of the 1878 7/8TF Strong MS62 is typically well above that of common-date Morgan Dollars due to its rarity and appeal. While not prohibitively expensive compared to higher-grade MS64 or MS65 examples, it represents an excellent opportunity for collectors to obtain a major first-year variety in a solid mint-state grade. Coins in MS62 often strike the right balance between affordability and eye appeal, making them a popular choice for advanced set builders and variety collectors.

    The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8TF Strong MS62 PCGS is a vital and visually arresting variety that embodies the dynamic story of early Morgan Dollar minting. With its bold design elements, dramatic overstrike, and first-year status, it is a coin that continues to captivate collectors more than a century after it was struck. As part of a certified collection, it represents both historical value and enduring numismatic intrigue, making it a cornerstone in any serious Morgan Dollar assemblage.

  • Details:
    • Denomination: N/A
    • Year: 1878
    • Diameter: N/A
    • Mint Mark: N/A
    • Thickness: N/A
    • Grade: N/A

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