1878 7TF Morgan Dollar Value What Is the Reverse of 78 Worth
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The 1878 7 Tail Feathers Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 or more in uncirculated grades — and certain varieties can push that number even higher. If you found one of these silver dollars tucked away in a drawer or inherited it from a family member, you may be sitting on a nice little piece of American history.
What Makes the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar Special
The Morgan Dollar was first struck in 1878 at the Philadelphia Mint, and that very first year is packed with fascinating variety drama. The original design showed an eagle with eight tail feathers on the reverse. The U.S. Mint quickly revised the design, reducing the tail feathers to seven — and that’s where the 1878 7TF (7 Tail Feathers) comes in.
The “Reverse of 1878” refers to the specific die style used that year, which collectors distinguish from later reverse designs. This coin carries both historical significance and strong collector demand, making it one of the more interesting first-year Morgan issues to own.
If you’re not sure which variety you have, using a coin identifier and value app can help you quickly sort out the details right from your phone — no magnifying glass required.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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1878 7TF Morgan Dollar Value by Grade
The condition of your coin matters enormously when determining its value. A coin that looks bright and crisp will always be worth more than one that’s been rubbed smooth from years of circulation. Here’s a general value guide for the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar:
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $35 – $45 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, clearer details | $45 – $65 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $70 – $100 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Slight wear, most luster intact | $110 – $160 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $200 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, sharp luster | $700 – $1,200+ |
For the most current auction results and certified coin prices, you can check out detailed 1878 Morgan Dollar price data by grade and variety to see what collectors are actually paying today.
Reverse of 1878 vs Reverse of 1879 — Does It Matter?
Yes, it absolutely matters. The 1878 Philadelphia Morgan dollars came with two different reverse die styles: the “Reverse of 1878” and the later “Reverse of 1879.” These are visually different in several ways, including the angle of the eagle’s tail feathers and the shape of the top of the arrows.
Collectors pay close attention to these differences, and the Reverse of 1878 on a 7TF coin tends to carry a slight premium over the Reverse of 1879 pairing in many grades.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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To identify which reverse your coin has, look carefully at the eagle’s breast feathers and the tail. If you’re unsure, the CoinKnow app can walk you through the identification process step by step using your smartphone camera — no coin expertise needed.
Proof and Special Strike 1878 Morgan Dollars
The Philadelphia Mint also struck a small number of Proof 1878 Morgan Dollars for collectors. These coins were specially made with polished dies and have a mirror-like finish. Proof examples are significantly rarer than business strikes.
A Proof 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar in top condition (PR-65 or better) can sell for several thousand dollars at major auctions. Even lower-grade proofs tend to start around $1,000 or more.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For a deeper look at the full 1878 silver dollar value range — including proof issues and mint marks — this complete 1878 silver dollar value guide covers all the major varieties in one place.
How to Get the Most Accurate Value for Your Coin
Online price guides give you a solid ballpark, but the real value of your coin comes down to its specific grade and variety. If you think you have a high-grade example, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worth the investment — a certified MS-65 coin can be worth 10 times more than the same coin in a plain holder.
For a quick starting point, CoinKnow is a popular tool that lets everyday people scan and identify coins using their phone, get instant value estimates, and understand what they actually have before taking it to a dealer. It’s a great first step before making any selling decisions.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1878 Morgan Dollar has 7 or 8 tail feathers?
A: Flip the coin over and count the feathers on the eagle’s tail. Seven feathers spread out in a fan shape means you have the 7TF variety. Eight feathers in a similar arrangement indicates the earlier 8TF design. A magnifying glass helps, and apps like CoinKnow can assist with identification too.
Q: Is the 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes. All Morgan Dollars, including the 1878 7TF, are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. Even in poor condition, your coin has meaningful silver melt value on top of any numismatic premium.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1878 7TF Morgan Dollar?
A: Your best options are reputable coin dealers, major online auction platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions, or local coin shows. For higher-value examples, getting the coin certified first is strongly recommended, as it can significantly increase buyer confidence and selling price.
