1878 7TF and 1879 Reverse Morgan Dollar Price Guide

The 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare “Reverse of 1879” varieties in high mint state. If you have recently discovered one of these heavy silver coins in a drawer or an inherited collection, you might be holding a significant piece of American history.

Variety Type	Good (G4) Value	Uncirculated (MS63) Value
1878 7TF (Second Reverse)	$35 – $45	$250 – $400
1878 7TF (Reverse of 1879)	$150 – $200	$1,800 – $3,500
1878-S (San Francisco)	$40 – $55	$300 – $500

Understanding the 1878 7TF and the Reverse of 1879 Variety

When the United States Mint first produced the Morgan Silver Dollar in 1878, they went through several design changes in just a few months. The most famous transition involves the number of tail feathers (TF) on the eagle. Initially, the eagle had 8 tail feathers, but this was quickly changed to 7.

To determine the value of your coin, you must look at the eagle’s breast and the top feather on the arrow quiver. If you are unsure which variety you have, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you zoom in on these tiny details that mean the difference between a $50 coin and a $1,500 coin.

The “Reverse of 1879” (often called the Third Reverse or C4) is a rare variety found on 1878-dated coins. On this version, the eagle’s breast is rounded (convex) and the top feather on the arrow bundle is slanted with a barb. This is highly sought after by collectors who use CoinKnow to track auction prices. Because these dies were intended for the next year’s production, finding them on an 1878 coin is a lucky break for any finder.

How to Identify the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar Variations

The 1878 7TF (7 Tail Feathers) isn’t just one type of coin; it actually comes in two distinct “reverses.” The Second Reverse (SAF) has a flat eagle’s breast and a parallel top feather. The Third Reverse (Reverse of 1879) has a rounded breast and a slanted top feather.

Distinguishing between these requires a steady hand and a magnifying glass. Many casual finders overlook these nuances, yet the market for the 1878 Morgan Dollar values by grade shows a massive price jump for the “Reverse of 1879” variety.

If you find a coin that looks particularly shiny or “unworn,” it is vital to handle it only by the edges. Any fingerprint can lower the grade and the potential payout. Collectors use tools like CoinKnow to compare their coin’s luster against professional grading standards before deciding to spend money on official certification.

Feature	Second Reverse (Original)	Third Reverse (Rev of 1879)
Eagle’s Breast	Flat / Concave	Rounded / Convex
Top Arrow Feather	Parallel to others	Slanted with a barb
Rarity	Common	Rare / Premium

Why the 1879 Reverse Morgan Dollar Value is Rising

The market for 1879 Morgan Dollars remains one of the most stable in the coin-collecting world. While the 1879 Philadelphia issue is relatively common, mint marks like “S” (San Francisco) or “CC” (Carson City) can turn a standard silver coin into a small fortune.

The 1878 silver dollar value information often overlaps with 1879 because of the transitional dies used at the mint. Collectors love “bridge” coins that show how the U.S. Mint was evolving its technology.

Today, more everyday Americans are finding these coins in family estates. Because the silver content alone is worth about $20-$25 (depending on the market), these coins are never worthless. However, the numismatic (collector) value is where the real money is. Using CoinKnow can show you real-time trends to see if the market is currently “hot” for your specific year and mint mark.

Valuing the 1879-CC and Other Mint Marks

If you flip your 1879 Morgan Dollar over and see “CC” under the wreath, you have hit the jackpot. The Carson City Mint produced fewer coins, making them the “Holy Grail” for many casual collectors. Even in poor condition, an 1879-CC is worth hundreds of dollars.

Other mint marks to look for include “S” for San Francisco and “O” for New Orleans. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia. While Philadelphia coins are the most common, they are still highly prized if they are in “Mint State” (meaning they look like they just came off the press).

Mint Mark (1879)	Average Circulated Price	High Grade (MS65) Price
None (Philadelphia)	$35 – $50	$450+
S (San Francisco)	$40 – $60	$350+
CC (Carson City)	$250 – $800	$15,000 – $40,000
O (New Orleans)	$35 – $50	$800+

Determining the Grade of Your Morgan Silver Dollar

Condition is everything when it comes to silver dollars. A coin that has been carried in a pocket for years (Graded “Good” or “Very Good”) will show flattened hair on Lady Liberty and worn-down feathers on the eagle. A coin kept in a silk bag or vault (“Mint State”) will have all its original fine lines.

Most beginners mistake “clean” for “valuable.” Never clean your coins! Scrubbing an 1878 7TF with polish or a cloth will create tiny scratches called “hairlines.” Professional graders can spot this immediately and will label the coin as “Details – Cleaned,” which can cut the value by 50% or more.

To get an idea of where your coin sits, look at the hair lines above Liberty’s ear. If you can see individual strands, you likely have a “Choice” or “Gem” coin. If the hair is just a smooth blob, it’s a “Circulated” coin. Regardless of the grade, keep it in a protective plastic flip or a cardboard 2×2 holder to prevent further damage.

Final Tips for New Coin Owners

If you’ve found an 1878 or 1879 Morgan Dollar, your first step should be identification, followed by safe storage. These coins are made of 90% silver, meaning they have inherent metal value, but their history as the “Coin of the Wild West” makes them much more valuable to the right buyer.

Always check the date and the tail feathers first. If you see 7 feathers and a rounded breast on an 1878 coin, you should consider getting it professionally appraised. Whether you plan to sell it or keep it as a family heirloom, knowing the exact 1879 Reverse Morgan Dollar value ensures you won’t be taken advantage of by unscrupulous buyers.

Morgan Dollars are heavy, beautiful, and full of American spirit. Owning one is like holding a piece of the 19th century in your palm. Take your time to research, use the right apps, and enjoy the hobby of numismatics!

FAQ

Q: What does 7TF mean on a Morgan Dollar?

A: 7TF stands for “7 Tail Feathers.” The original 1878 design had 8 tail feathers, but it was changed to 7 later in the year. Coins with 7 feathers are common, but the specific “Reverse of 1879” variety with 7 feathers is much more valuable.

Q: How can I tell if my 1878 dollar is the “Reverse of 1879” variety?

A: Look at the eagle on the back. If the eagle’s breast is puffy and rounded like a real bird’s chest, and the top feather on the arrow is slanted with a barb, it is the “Reverse of 1879.” If the breast is flat, it is the standard “Reverse of 1878.”

Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar?

A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side, just above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR,” and below the center of the wreath. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: Should I clean my old silver dollar to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and creates microscopic scratches that collectors hate. A “dirty” coin with original patina is almost always worth more than a shiny, cleaned coin.