1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar Value Guide
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The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $45 in worn condition to over $15,000 for high-grade Mint State specimens. This specific variety, often called the “Second Reverse,” is a favorite among collectors due to its unique design transitions during the very first year of the Morgan Silver Dollar series.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) to Very Fine (VF-20) | $45 – $65 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $80 – $110 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58) | $150 – $450 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $1,100 – $1,350 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | $4,500 – $18,000+ |
Understanding the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 Variety
If you have found an 1878 Morgan Dollar, the first thing you need to know is that not all 1878 dollars are the same. In the first year of production, the U.S. Mint went through three distinct design changes for the reverse (the “tails” side) of the coin. The “7TF” stands for “7 Tail Feathers” on the eagle. However, even among the 7-feather versions, there is a major distinction: the “Reverse of 1878” (flat breast) and the “Reverse of 1879” (rounded breast). Utilizing a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between these subtle design changes instantly.
The Reverse of 1879 is technically the third reverse design used in 1878. It features a rounded breast on the eagle and a slanted top arrow feather (the fletching). This design was meant to be the “final” look for the series, but because it was introduced late in 1878, it is much scarcer than the standard 1878 versions. Collectors prize this variety because it represents the transition into the classic Morgan look we see in later years. When you use CoinKnow, you can zoom in on the eagle’s breast to see if it is concave or convex, which is the key to identifying this valuable variety.
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Identifying the Slanted Top Arrow Feather
The most reliable way to identify this specific 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 variety is to look at the arrows held in the eagle’s talons. On the “Reverse of 1878,” the top arrow feather is straight and parallel to the arrow shaft. On the “Reverse of 1879,” that top feather is slanted. This small detail can mean a difference of hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket. If you aren’t sure what you are looking at, the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution identification feature can pinpoint these micro-details for you.
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Beyond the arrows, look at the eagle’s breast. The 1879 reverse shows a much more “puffy” or rounded chest on the bird. The earlier 1878 versions look a bit flatter and less detailed. Because this variety was a mid-year correction, many were released into circulation before the Mint realized the mix-up, making high-grade “Uncirculated” versions very rare today. You can check the latest 1878 Morgan Dollar auction results and price trends to see how much premium these feathered variations command in the current market.
Grading and 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Values
Condition is everything when it comes to old silver dollars. A coin that has been carried in a pocket for years will only be worth slightly more than its silver melt value, whereas a “blazing” white coin that looks like it just came off the press can buy a new car. For the 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879, the value jumps significantly once you reach the “About Uncirculated” (AU) and “Mint State” (MS) levels. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is often recommended for this variety to guarantee its authenticity and grade.
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| Grade | Visual Characteristics | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| VG-10 (Very Good) | Heavily worn, Liberty’s hair is smooth. | $50 |
| XF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points, most detail remains. | $95 |
| AU-55 (Choice AU) | Almost no wear, some original mint luster. | $325 |
| MS-60 (Uncirculated) | No wear, but many bag marks and scratches. | $750 |
| MS-64 (Choice BU) | Extremely attractive with great luster. | $2,400 |
Why Choice and Gem Grades Are So Expensive
When researching 1878 silver dollar value information, you will notice a massive “price cliff.” For example, an MS-63 coin might be worth $1,200, but an MS-65 coin can skyrocket to over $6,000. This is because most 1878 dollars were stored in heavy canvas bags at the Treasury. As these bags were moved, the coins banged against each other, creating “bag marks” or tiny nicks. Finding a coin that escaped this damage and remained in “Gem” condition is statistically difficult.
The 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879 is particularly prone to surface abrasions. If you find one that has a clean cheek on Lady Liberty and a strong strike on the eagle’s feathers, you are looking at a premium item. Collectors of the Morgan series are very particular about the “eye appeal” of the coin. CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of various grades so you can estimate where your coin falls on the scale.
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Factors That Affect Your Coin’s Market Price
The value listed in price guides is a starting point, but several real-world factors can change how much a dealer will pay you. One major factor is “toning.” Some silver dollars develop a rainbow-colored patina over 140 years. If the colors are vibrant and beautiful, the value of an 1878 7TF Rev ’79 can double. Conversely, if the coin has been “cleaned”—meaning someone used chemicals or a cloth to make it look shiny—the value will drop by 50% or more, as collectors prefer original, untouched surfaces.
Market demand also fluctuates. Sometimes Morgan Dollars are the hottest item in the hobby, and other times the market cools off. Currently, the “First Year” coins of the Morgan series (1878) remain very stable because every collector needs one to start their set. This specific variety is often the “missing piece” for intermediate collectors looking to complete the different 1878 sub-types, ensuring that there is always a buyer for a well-preserved Reverse of 1879 specimen.
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| Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Original Luster | Increases value significantly; looks like a “cartwheel” effect. |
| Cleaning/Polishing | Decreases value by 50-70%; considered “damaged” by pros. |
| Deep Mirror Proof-Like | Extremely rare; adds a huge premium (DMPL status). |
Summary: What to Do If You Have This Coin
If you believe you have found an 1878 7TF Reverse of 1879, the first rule is: do not clean it! Even a light rub with a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that ruin the coin’s numismatic value. Store it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin capsule to prevent further wear. Your next step should be to get a preliminary identification using the CoinKnow app to confirm the “Slanted Top Arrow Feather” and “Rounded Breast” indicators.
Once you have confirmed the variety, you should determine if it’s worth the $20-$50 fee for professional grading. Generally, if the coin looks like it has never been spent (it is still shiny and has all its fine hair details), it is absolutely worth sending to PCGS or NGC. A certified “MS” grade coin is much easier to sell for a high price at auction than an uncertified one, as it provides the buyer with peace of mind regarding the coin’s authenticity.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between 7TF and 8TF?
A: The “TF” stands for Tail Feathers. The very first 1878 Morgan Dollars had 8 tail feathers on the eagle. This was quickly changed to 7 tail feathers to be more anatomically correct. The 7TF coins are the standard for most of 1878, but there is also a “7 over 8” error variety where parts of the old feathers show through.
Q: How can I tell if my 1878 Morgan is the “Reverse of 1879”?
A: Look at the top feather of the arrows in the eagle’s left claw (your right). If the top feather is slanted down, and the eagle has a rounded, “bulging” breast, it is the Reverse of 1879. If the feather is straight and the breast is flat, it is the more common Reverse of 1878.
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Q: Is every 1878 Silver Dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes, all genuine Morgan Dollars are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.7734 ounces of pure silver. However, their value as a collector’s item is usually much higher than the price of the raw silver inside them.
Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1878 Morgan Dollar?
A: The mint mark (if there is one) is located on the reverse side, just above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR.” 1878 coins can have an “S” for San Francisco or a “CC” for Carson City. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. Note that the “Reverse of 1879” variety is most commonly found on Philadelphia (no mint mark) coins.
