1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar Value Guide What This Rare San Francisco Coin Is Worth Today
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The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $50 in heavily circulated condition to well over $1,000 or more in uncirculated grades — and certain high-grade examples have sold for thousands at auction. If you found one of these coins in an old collection or inherited it from a family member, you may be sitting on something genuinely special.
What Makes the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 So Different
Not all 1879-S Morgan Dollars are created equal. The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct varieties that year, and telling them apart is the key to understanding what your coin is really worth.
The “Reverse of 1878” refers to the eagle design on the back of the coin. In 1878, the Morgan Dollar was first introduced with a specific reverse style featuring eight tail feathers on the eagle. By 1879, the Mint had switched to a revised reverse design. But the San Francisco Mint briefly continued using the older 1878-style dies — creating a notable variety that collectors actively seek out today.
If you look closely at the eagle’s tail, you’ll count eight feathers instead of seven. The top of the eagle’s breast also has a slightly different look, with more parallel lines rather than the slanted ones seen on the later design. These small differences make a big impact on value.
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If you’re not sure which variety you have, a coin identifier and value app can help you quickly scan and identify the exact type before you take it anywhere to sell or grade it. Tools like CoinKnow are especially popular with everyday collectors who want fast, reliable answers from their phone.
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1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar Value by Grade
The condition of your coin — known as its “grade” — has an enormous effect on value. A coin that still shows sharp details and original luster is worth far more than one that’s been worn smooth from years of circulation.
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Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $50 – $80 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Moderate wear, clear design | $100 – $175 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $200 – $350 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight friction, most luster remains | $400 – $600 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor contact marks | $800 – $1,500+ |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, strong luster | $3,000 – $6,000+ |
For the most up-to-date auction results and certified sale prices, you can review recent 1879 Morgan Dollar MS price data across major grading services to see where the market currently stands.
How to Check If Your 1879-S Morgan Dollar Is the Reverse of 1878
Identifying the variety takes just a few minutes if you know what to look for. First, check the mintmark on the reverse — it should be a small “S” below the eagle, confirming it was struck in San Francisco.
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Next, count the tail feathers on the eagle. Eight feathers means you may have the Reverse of 1878 variety. Also look at the top of the eagle’s breast and the shape of the arrows near the eagle’s claw. The 1878 reverse tends to show flatter, more parallel feather lines compared to the slanted look of the revised 1879 reverse.
If you’re still unsure, the CoinKnow app lets you photograph your coin and get an instant identification with supporting detail images — making it much easier to confirm your variety before spending money on professional grading.
Professional grading through PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for coins in uncirculated condition, since a certified MS-63 or higher example is worth significantly more than a raw, ungraded coin.
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Is the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 a Rare Coin
In terms of overall mintage, the 1879-S had a large production run of over nine million coins. However, the Reverse of 1878 variety represents only a portion of that total, and examples in high uncirculated grades are genuinely scarce.
Collector demand for this variety has remained steady for decades. It appears in most major Morgan Dollar registry sets and is considered a key variety that serious collectors want in their collections.
For a full picture of what the 1879 Silver Dollar is worth across all grades and varieties, comparing both the Reverse of 1878 and Reverse of 1879 can help you better understand where your specific coin fits in the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1879-S Morgan Dollar has the Reverse of 1878?
A: Count the tail feathers on the eagle on the reverse side. If you see eight tail feathers instead of seven, and the breast feathers appear parallel rather than slanted, you likely have the Reverse of 1878 variety. You can also use the CoinKnow app to get a quick visual identification from your phone.
Q: What is the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar worth in average circulated condition?
A: In average circulated condition — grades ranging from Good to Very Fine — expect a value somewhere between $50 and $175. Higher grades can fetch several hundred dollars, and uncirculated examples can reach well over $1,000 depending on eye appeal and luster.
Q: Should I clean my 1879-S Morgan Dollar before selling it?
A: No. Never clean an old coin. Cleaning removes original surface material and actually destroys value in the eyes of collectors and dealers. A naturally toned or even slightly dirty coin will always be worth more than one that has been polished or wiped clean. Leave it exactly as you found it.
