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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-S Reverse of 1878 UNC Details NGC is a fascinating and historically important variety that reflects a transitional moment in early Morgan dollar production. Graded “Uncirculated Details” by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin shows no signs of wear, retaining its full mint state surfaces, but has been assigned a “details” grade due to a specific issue that precludes a numerical Mint State designation—such as cleaning, marks, or surface alteration. Nevertheless, it remains a desirable and collectible example, particularly due to its status as a “Reverse of 1878” variety, one of the most widely recognized early die pairings among Morgan dollar enthusiasts.
The obverse features George T. Morgan’s celebrated design of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with agricultural symbols—cotton and wheat—representing unity and prosperity. The word “LIBERTY” appears prominently on her headband, and the fields are surrounded by thirteen stars, the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the date “1879” positioned below. On this uncirculated example, Liberty’s cheek, curls, and cap show complete strike detail, consistent with a Mint State coin. Despite the details grade, the coin retains its original sharpness, with minimal flattening of high points and full denticles around the edge, indicating it was never circulated.
The reverse is what sets this variety apart. Known as the “Reverse of 1878,” this die pairing features a flat-breast eagle with a parallel top arrow feather, as opposed to the more common “Reverse of 1879,” which has a slanted top feather and a more rounded eagle’s breast. This reverse die was a leftover from the previous year and reused at the San Francisco Mint during early 1879 Morgan dollar production. The eagle is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” with “IN GOD WE TRUST” in Gothic script above. The “S” mintmark, located just below the wreath, confirms its origin at the San Francisco Mint. In this specimen, the eagle’s wings and feathers remain well defined, with strong peripheral detail, although some surface issue—likely hairlines, cleaning, or toning irregularities—prevented NGC from assigning a numeric grade.
This coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 26.73 grams, and has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. Like all Morgan dollars, it contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. The 1879-S Morgan dollar had a total mintage of 9,110,000 coins, but only a portion of those were struck using the Reverse of 1878 dies, making this variety significantly scarcer. While the Mint had intended to transition fully to the new reverse design by 1879, leftover dies and the urgency of production at the San Francisco facility led to the reuse of earlier equipment. Today, the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is a recognized and cataloged variety, listed in the VAM (Van Allen–Mallis) guide as VAM-34, and highly prized by variety specialists.
Although this coin is graded “UNC Details,” the “details” label does not diminish its significance as a collectible variety. The uncirculated condition ensures all design elements are intact and sharply rendered, while the noted issue—whether cleaning, environmental damage, or light tooling—affects the surface but not the coin’s structural or visual integrity. In many cases, “details” coins still exhibit impressive luster, bold strikes, and clear devices, and this example is no exception. It provides collectors with an affordable alternative to more expensive fully graded Mint State coins, especially when the underlying detail and variety carry significant numismatic importance.
Visually, the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar typically exhibits the strong strike quality associated with the San Francisco Mint. The coin often has bold luster and crisp edge denticles. If it has been lightly cleaned—a common cause for the UNC Details grade—it may appear slightly bright or lack the natural patina of an untouched coin. Alternatively, it might show faint hairlines under light or altered toning. Even so, many such coins remain attractive and present well in certified holders, especially when the coin retains its full mint frost and sharp detail, as is generally the case with uncirculated specimens.
Historically, the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 variety captures the transition from the original Morgan reverse to the updated design adopted in 1879. The difference in eagle feather orientation and breast shape may seem subtle, but they are important identifiers in the Morgan dollar series. These changes reflect the Mint’s ongoing effort to refine die engraving and improve the coin’s appearance, making this a historically significant piece from a production and design standpoint. The reuse of obsolete dies underscores the logistical realities of minting in the late 19th century, particularly at the regional mints tasked with meeting coinage quotas amid fluctuating silver supplies and bureaucratic oversight.
Today, the Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1879-S Reverse of 1878 UNC Details NGC holds appeal for a wide range of collectors, including Morgan dollar specialists, variety hunters, and those seeking type coins with historical depth. It offers a relatively affordable entry point into the fascinating world of VAM varieties and transitional issues. Though technically a “details” coin, its uncirculated sharpness, iconic design, and variety status more than compensate for any noted imperfections. It is a desirable addition to any serious Morgan dollar collection and a tangible artifact of 19th-century American minting history.