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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8 Tail Feathers (TF) Strong variety in MS64 condition by PCGS is an outstanding example of an early U.S. Mint design correction captured in high-grade uncirculated form. As one of the most fascinating and visually distinctive varieties in the Morgan Dollar series, this coin represents a moment in 19th-century numismatic history when rapid design changes and production demands led to a striking and collectible overstrike. With a PCGS certification of MS64, this example offers strong eye appeal, above-average preservation, and the full dramatic character of the 7/8TF Strong subtype.
The 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar was the first year of issue in what would become one of America’s most widely collected and studied coin series. Created by George T. Morgan, the design introduced a new rendition of Liberty and a powerful eagle motif, replacing the older Seated Liberty dollar format. In response to the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated massive silver purchases by the U.S. Treasury, Morgan Dollars were struck in high quantities and quickly became a fixture in American commerce and numismatic interest. However, the initial designs featured eight tail feathers on the eagle—an anatomically incorrect representation that led to a rapid design revision.
In correcting the original eight tail feathers, Mint engravers punched seven feathers over the existing design rather than creating entirely new dies. The result was a dramatic overstrike, visible on the eagle’s tail as partial remnants of the original eight feathers under the seven new ones. The most dramatic examples, where the underlying feathers are easily seen with the naked eye, are labeled the “Strong” variety. This striking doubling is what defines the 7/8TF Strong Morgan Dollar and makes it one of the most visually compelling varieties in the series. It is cataloged in the VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) reference system and actively pursued by variety collectors and Morgan Dollar specialists alike.
The obverse features Liberty facing left, crowned with a Phrygian cap bearing a ribbon inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Her hair is detailed with classical curls and entwined with wheat and cotton, representing agricultural unity. Around the portrait are thirteen stars, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the date “1878” at the bottom. In MS64 condition, this side of the coin exhibits sharp detail and luster, with only minimal abrasions or contact marks on Liberty’s cheek or the surrounding fields. The coin maintains original brilliance and a near-gem appearance, making it a desirable example for collectors who value both historical interest and eye appeal.
The reverse displays the heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, a laurel wreath surrounding its lower body, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script above. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” encircle the perimeter. The key diagnostic feature is the tail: seven fully punched feathers prominently overlaying the original eight. On the Strong variety, the eighth feather lines are clear and bold, especially at the base and between the central tail feathers. This intense doubling is what differentiates the Strong version from the Weak 7/8TF, where the underlying details are faint or barely visible.
All 1878 7/8TF Strong Morgan Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as evidenced by the absence of a mintmark. The total mintage of Philadelphia Morgan Dollars in 1878 exceeded 9.7 million pieces, but only a small fraction are attributed to the 7/8TF Strong variety. The Mint’s use of reworked dies during a brief transitional period led to this limited output. The exact number of surviving Strong examples is unknown, but PCGS population data confirms that MS64 specimens are scarce compared to more common grades. Their rarity and visual drama ensure sustained demand among collectors who seek out early Mint modifications and notable die states.
The MS64 grade indicates that this coin is in near-gem uncirculated condition. It exhibits full strike, brilliant mint luster, and strong eye appeal, with only minor scattered contact marks that prevent a higher MS65 designation. The coin is well-struck across all design elements, including Liberty’s curls, the eagle’s breast and wings, and most critically, the tail feathers. MS64 is considered a premium collector grade—much rarer and more valuable than MS62 or MS63 examples, yet still attainable compared to the significant premiums commanded by MS65 and higher coins in this variety.
PCGS certification adds substantial credibility to this piece. As one of the most respected and widely trusted third-party grading services, PCGS provides a guarantee of authenticity, grade accuracy, and attribution of the 7/8TF Strong designation. The coin is housed in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed holder with a detailed label identifying its variety, date, grade, and certification number. This not only preserves the coin’s condition long-term but also ensures its liquidity on the secondary market and inclusion in PCGS Set Registry competitions for Morgan Dollar specialists.
The 7/8TF Strong variety is particularly popular among collectors who specialize in Morgan Dollar varieties and VAM attributions. As a major Red Book-listed variety with an unmistakable visual hallmark, it is often considered essential for a comprehensive Morgan Dollar collection. Its combination of first-year status, design correction, and bold doubling make it a stand-alone highlight even for general collectors of 19th-century U.S. silver. In MS64, the coin strikes a strong balance between rarity, beauty, and investment-grade quality—positioning it as a key acquisition for serious numismatists.
Market prices for the 1878 7/8TF Strong MS64 PCGS reflect its relative scarcity and demand. While prices fluctuate with silver trends and collector activity, this variety in MS64 typically commands a significant premium over standard 1878 Morgan Dollars. Factors influencing individual coin value include strike sharpness, luster quality, and the clarity of the overpunched feathers. Coins with pleasing peripheral toning, minimal distractions, and strong luster often sell at the top of the price range for the grade, particularly when they exhibit excellent eye appeal and strong tail feather detail.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 7/8TF Strong MS64 PCGS is a numismatic prize that encapsulates the artistry, history, and production challenges of America’s most collected silver dollar series. It is a tangible reflection of Mint adaptation and 19th-century coinage practices, preserved in a condition that displays both the coin’s original brilliance and its historical character. For collectors of U.S. type coins, Morgan Dollar specialists, or VAM enthusiasts, this piece stands out as a foundational and fascinating variety—offering rarity, beauty, and enduring appeal all in one historic silver coin.