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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8 Tail Feathers (TF) Strong variety in MS63 condition by PCGS is an exceptional and historically significant early Morgan Dollar. Struck during the inaugural year of the series, this variety reflects the U.S. Mint’s evolving production methods and design corrections, making it one of the most fascinating and collectible types within the entire Morgan Dollar run. With a bold overstrike of seven tail feathers atop the original eight, the “Strong” 7/8TF is instantly recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. A Mint State 63 grade from PCGS adds further desirability, offering a solidly uncirculated specimen with attractive surfaces and full design detail.
The Morgan Silver Dollar was introduced in 1878 as a result of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin large amounts of silver, primarily to aid Western mining interests. The coin was designed by George T. Morgan, an assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint, whose fresh interpretation of Liberty became the enduring face of American silver dollars. The 1878 issues were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and underwent numerous design revisions in a short period, resulting in multiple recognized varieties—including the 7/8 Tail Feathers.
The original 1878 Morgan Dollars were engraved with eight tail feathers on the eagle, but this detail quickly drew criticism for being anatomically incorrect. Real bald eagles have an odd number of tail feathers, prompting Mint officials to alter the dies to show seven feathers. Rather than discarding the working dies with the incorrect eight feathers, the Mint overpunched seven feathers on top of them. In many coins, the original eight feathers remain visible underneath the seven, creating the variety known as 7/8TF. The “Strong” designation specifically refers to those coins where the underlying eighth feathers are prominently visible, with clear doubling below the newer engraving—a key point of distinction from the more subtle “Weak” variety.
The obverse of the coin features a stately profile of Liberty facing left, crowned with a Phrygian cap bearing a ribbon inscribed “LIBERTY.” Her hair is detailed in flowing curls, adorned with cotton bolls and wheat, symbolizing American agriculture and prosperity. Surrounding her image are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” thirteen stars for the original colonies, and the date “1878.” In MS63 condition, Liberty’s cheek and the fields show only minor contact marks, with original mint luster preserved throughout much of the surface.
The reverse of the 1878 7/8TF Strong Morgan Dollar displays a heraldic eagle with wings outstretched, holding an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. Above the eagle is the Gothic script motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and encircling the entire design are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The central focal point of this variety is the eagle’s tail, where the outlines of the original eight feathers are clearly visible beneath the newly engraved seven. The Strong designation is reserved for coins where this overstrike is bold and distinct, making the variety easily attributable even without magnification.
This coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and bears no mintmark, as was typical of Philadelphia coins at the time. While over 9.7 million Morgan Dollars were minted in Philadelphia in 1878, only a fraction were 7/8TF Strong varieties. Because these coins were the result of transitional die corrections, they were struck in a relatively short window before fully revised seven-tail-feather dies were used. The variety is listed and recognized in all major numismatic references, including the VAM catalog (Van Allen-Mallis), where it is often categorized under VAM-44 or similar numbers depending on die markers.
In MS63 condition, this coin is a true Mint State example, meaning it has never circulated and retains full design detail. MS63 coins, while not free from minor contact marks or abrasions, exhibit strong eye appeal, good luster, and solid strike. On this variety, collectors particularly look for clarity in the doubled tail feathers, sharpness in the eagle’s wing tips and breast, and clean fields with minimal distractions. Liberty’s cheek is often the most scrutinized area; on MS63 examples, it may show some minor chatter but no significant scuffing or wear.
PCGS encapsulation affirms the authenticity and condition of the coin, as well as the accurate attribution of the 7/8TF Strong variety. The secure, tamper-evident holder displays the coin’s grade, date, and variety clearly on the label, offering collectors assurance in both the coin’s identity and its preservation. PCGS is one of the most respected grading services in the world, and their designation carries strong market credibility. Collectors seeking high-grade examples of prominent Morgan Dollar varieties often prioritize PCGS-certified coins for consistency and resale confidence.
The 1878 7/8TF Strong variety holds special importance for Morgan Dollar enthusiasts and VAM variety collectors. As a transitional product of early production corrections, it represents the Mint’s evolving efforts to improve the accuracy of the Morgan Dollar design. Collectors often seek to include this coin in full variety sets, transition type sets, or registry collections. The overpunched tail feathers are visually dramatic, making this coin a conversation piece as well as a key variety.
Market demand for the 7/8TF Strong in MS63 is steady and competitive. While lower grades like AU or MS60 may be more common, MS63 examples are prized for their visual appeal, relatively modest premiums compared to higher-grade gems, and the clarity with which the overstrike is visible. PCGS population data indicates that MS63 examples are available but not in large numbers, particularly with the Strong designation clearly attributed. This makes them excellent mid-tier acquisitions for collectors wanting sharp detail without venturing into the price range of MS65 or higher coins.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8TF Strong MS63 PCGS is a numismatic standout—combining early-series significance, distinctive visual features, and a solid Mint State grade from a top-tier grading service. It captures a moment of experimentation and adaptation at the U.S. Mint and showcases George T. Morgan’s design in an evolving and dramatic form. With its rich historical background, recognized rarity, and collector demand, it remains one of the most intriguing and essential varieties in the entire Morgan Dollar series.