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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 8 Tail Feathers (8TF) VAM-1 in MS62 condition by NGC is a historically important and highly collectible coin from the very beginning of the Morgan Dollar series. As the first die marriage and die state used in the inaugural year of production, the VAM-1 variety with 8 tail feathers marks the original design issued by the U.S. Mint in 1878. Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) in Mint State 62, this example offers collectors a rare opportunity to own an uncirculated specimen of the earliest form of one of America’s most iconic silver coins.
The Morgan Dollar was introduced in 1878 following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin large amounts of domestic silver. George T. Morgan, a talented engraver at the U.S. Mint, created the new design that would become a staple of American coinage through 1921. However, the initial strikes of 1878 featured an eagle with eight tail feathers—an error that would soon be corrected. It was quickly observed that real bald eagles have an odd number of tail feathers, prompting the Mint to revise the design to display seven feathers. Before that correction, however, thousands of coins were struck with the original 8TF reverse, making them an essential variety for collectors.
The obverse of the 1878 Morgan Dollar features a bold profile of Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a ribbon inscribed “LIBERTY.” Cotton bolls and wheat are woven into her hair, symbolizing unity between the agrarian North and South. Surrounding her portrait are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the date “1878” positioned below the neck truncation. In MS62 condition, this obverse remains sharply detailed with strong design elements, though minor contact marks may be visible on Liberty’s cheek and in the surrounding fields, consistent with the assigned grade.
The reverse is where the defining feature of this variety becomes apparent. The eagle is shown with eight distinct tail feathers—a configuration unique to the earliest Morgan Dollars. The bird stands clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, with a laurel wreath surrounding the lower half of the design. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in Gothic script above the eagle, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” form a bold outer circle. The absence of a mintmark confirms that this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only facility producing 8TF coins in 1878.
The VAM-1 attribution refers to the specific die pair used in striking this variety, as cataloged in the authoritative Van Allen–Mallis (VAM) guide. VAM-1 is the standard die pairing for the 8TF variety, characterized by the original obverse and reverse without significant die clashes or die reworking. It is the most basic and direct form of the 8TF type, making it particularly important for type collectors and those assembling a full Morgan variety set. As the first official Morgan Dollar design, VAM-1 8TF represents the “purest” version of the original mint intent before subsequent changes and corrections were made.
The 8TF variety is scarce in all grades due to its short production run and the rapid transition to the 7TF design. While several hundred thousand were struck, many were melted down or lost over time. Surviving examples in uncirculated condition are relatively scarce, and Mint State specimens are particularly prized. MS62 examples offer an excellent combination of affordability and preservation, allowing collectors to own a true Mint State coin with most original details and luster intact, even if a few minor abrasions or surface marks are present.
In MS62 condition, the coin exhibits full mint detail with light contact marks typical of the grade. Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers remain sharply defined, while the coin may show faint friction in the fields or on high points. The luster is generally strong, often showing a satiny or lightly frosted texture, with occasional cartwheel brilliance depending on the die state and planchet quality. Any minor marks are generally located in non-focal areas and do not significantly detract from the coin’s overall visual appeal.
The NGC encapsulation adds trust and transparency to this coin’s marketability. The certified holder clearly identifies the coin as a 1878 8TF VAM-1, MS62, offering peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. The NGC holder is sonically sealed, protecting the coin from environmental damage and improper handling. Collectors often prefer NGC or PCGS certification for higher-value or key-date Morgan Dollars, as these services maintain detailed population reports and offer added liquidity in auctions and private sales.
The VAM-1 8TF coin is of particular interest to Morgan Dollar enthusiasts and VAM variety collectors due to its importance as the original, uncorrected version of the coin. It serves as a benchmark for the evolution of the Morgan design and is the starting point for collectors assembling a full 1878 variety set, which can include the 8TF, 7/8TF, and 7TF reverses—each with their own subtypes and die pairings. The 8TF VAM-1 is also included in the Red Book and other major references, further cementing its importance within U.S. coinage history.
The market for the 1878 8TF VAM-1 MS62 remains strong, particularly as collectors of the Morgan series continue to value certified examples of key varieties. While not as rare as the 7/8TF Strong or some lower-mintage issues, the 8TF coins carry historical weight that few others can match. In MS62, they are more affordable than higher-grade gems while still offering a high degree of preservation and collectibility. Values remain stable and are supported by a broad base of demand across both the numismatic and bullion-investor markets.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1878 8TF VAM-1 MS62 NGC is a foundational piece for any serious Morgan collection. Its status as the first Morgan design, its distinct visual features, and its certified uncirculated condition make it both a conversation piece and a historically meaningful acquisition. For collectors who appreciate early U.S. Mint design evolution, numismatic pedigree, and tangible links to 19th-century monetary policy, this coin stands as an enduring classic of American silver coinage.