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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 8TF MS63 ANA is a significant numismatic artifact representing the first year of issue for one of America’s most beloved coin series. Struck in 1878, this example belongs to the rare and historically fascinating 8 Tail Feathers (8TF) variety, which marks the earliest iteration of the Morgan Dollar design before a swift redesign. Graded Mint State 63 by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), this coin offers collectors an opportunity to own a well-preserved specimen from the foundational year of the Morgan Dollar series, showcasing strong detail, lustrous surfaces, and an essential chapter in U.S. Mint history.
The Morgan Dollar series began in 1878 following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver for coinage. The law aimed to revitalize the struggling silver mining industry after the demonetization of silver in 1873 and marked a return to substantial silver dollar production. The new design was created by George T. Morgan, an assistant engraver at the Philadelphia Mint, who introduced a bold and modern interpretation of Liberty while integrating national symbols such as the bald eagle in flight. His work would define American silver coinage for decades to come.
The 8 Tail Feathers variety was the original reverse design issued in early 1878. It depicted the eagle with eight tail feathers, which was later criticized for being ornithologically inaccurate, as eagles only have an odd number of tail feathers—typically seven. Responding quickly to numismatic and anatomical concerns, Mint officials modified the reverse, first reducing the number to seven and later adding an overpunch resulting in the 7 over 8 TF variety. As a result, the 8TF coins were only produced for a brief period, making them a standout sub-variety among Morgan Dollars, sought after for both their historical significance and relative scarcity.
The obverse of the 1878 Morgan Dollar features Liberty portrayed in a left-facing profile, adorned with a Phrygian cap crowned with cotton and wheat—symbols of America’s agricultural richness and cultural liberty. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on her headband, and the surrounding legends include “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date “1878.” Morgan’s Liberty is renowned for its strength, beauty, and classicism, departing from earlier, more abstract portrayals in favor of a distinctly American female form, modeled after Anna Willess Williams.
The reverse of the 8 Tail Feathers variety showcases an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Below the eagle, eight distinct tail feathers are arranged in a fan, clearly distinguishing this variant. Encircling the image are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” A laurel wreath frames the lower half of the eagle, while the distinctive 8TF configuration reflects the earliest minting stages of the Morgan Dollar series, prior to the swift alteration later in 1878. The eagle’s full breast, feather texture, and sharp claws are all crisply struck on higher-grade examples like this MS63 specimen.
The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only facility issuing the 8 Tail Feathers variety. As the original U.S. Mint, Philadelphia played a central role in producing coinage during the nation’s expansion, and the 1878 Morgan Dollars marked the first appearance of the denomination since the demise of the Seated Liberty dollar in 1873. No mintmark appears on the coin, which is standard for Philadelphia issues from this era. Approximately 750,000–850,000 8TF coins were minted before the design was changed, making them a relatively scarce first-year subtype within the broader Morgan Dollar family.
Mint State 63 (MS63) coins, as graded by the American Numismatic Association, are considered choice uncirculated pieces with only moderate marks or abrasions and strong eye appeal. The ANA certification provides assurance of authenticity and grading quality, with ANA-certified coins respected among collectors for their adherence to traditional grading standards. An MS63 8TF Morgan Dollar will exhibit full strike details, vibrant luster, and a relatively clean appearance, though with some scattered contact marks typical for the grade. The overall impression is one of sharp, original brilliance, with pleasing aesthetics that stand out among circulated or lower-grade examples.
Surviving MS63 examples of the 1878 8TF Morgan Dollar are sought after by collectors building comprehensive Morgan sets by date, mint, and variety. The 8TF coin is a necessary acquisition for such pursuits due to its limited production run and status as the original version of the reverse design. Its appeal extends further to those interested in transitional varieties, early minting errors, and design evolution. While the 8TF is less common than the subsequent 7TF and 7/8TF coins, it is not as rare as branch mint issues from later years, making it a highly collectible yet accessible option for mid-to-advanced collectors.
The market value of 1878 8TF Morgan Dollars in MS63 condition tends to remain strong due to the combination of age, historical relevance, and demand for early type coins. As with most Morgan Dollars, the coin’s silver content—comprising 90% silver and 10% copper—also provides a level of intrinsic value, though its numismatic premium far exceeds melt value. Weighing 26.73 grams and measuring 38.1 mm in diameter, the coin’s size and brilliant luster contribute to its striking presence and display appeal, especially in well-struck MS63 condition.
The 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar 8 Tail Feathers variety serves as a fascinating example of the U.S. Mint’s evolving artistic and technical standards. It also demonstrates the responsiveness of mint officials to critique and refinement, hallmarks of a maturing coinage system. This variety captures a moment of transition, symbolizing the beginning of one of the most collected coin series in American history while offering collectors a uniquely identifiable and storied specimen.
In conclusion, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 8TF MS63 ANA is an exceptional piece that combines numismatic history, classic design, and attractive condition. As a first-year issue and a discontinued variety, it holds enduring importance in the realm of American coin collecting. With its bold strike, brilliant surfaces, and ANA-certified MS63 grade, it represents both a tangible artifact of the U.S. Mint’s legacy and a treasured addition to any serious Morgan Dollar or U.S. type coin collection.