1878 Silver Morgan Dollar 7/8 Tailfeathers XF

1878 Silver Morgan Dollar 7/8 Tailfeathers XF

Own one of the most intriguing varieties in American numismatics with the 1878 Silver Morgan Dollar 7/8 Tailfeathers XF. Struck from 90% silver and containing 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, this early Morgan Dollar variety is offered in Extremely Fine (XF) condition, retaining strong detail with moderate circulation wear.

The Morgan Dollar was introduced in 1878 following passage of the Bland–Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and strike it into dollars. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin features Liberty in profile on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

The 1878 issue is especially famous for its reverse design changes. The first coins struck that year displayed an eagle with eight tail feathers. However, this was quickly identified as anatomically inaccurate, as a bald eagle has seven tail feathers. The Mint modified the design to feature seven feathers—but during the transition, dies were altered by partially removing one feather from the original eight-feather hubs. This resulted in the fascinating and collectible “7/8 Tailfeathers” overstrike variety, where traces of the original eighth feather remain visible beneath the seven-feather design.

Coin Features:

• Contains .7734 troy oz of .900 fine silver
• Extra Fine condition
• Struck by the US Mint
• Face value of $1 USD backed by the US government
• Individual coins come in protective plastic coin flips.
• Obverse: Shows the George T Morgan illustration of a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty with her Liberty Cap. Her cap is decorated with two heads of wheat and two cotton blossoms. Thirteen stars appear on the border to represent the original colonies. Inscriptions: “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the year of mintage flank the main device on the top and bottom.
• Reverse: Features a majestic bald eagle with outstretched wings. The eagle clutches an olive branch and arrows in its talons to symbolize peace and preparedness. Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Why own the 1878 7/8 Tailfeathers Morgan Dollar?

• Historic first-year Morgan Dollar variety
• Visible overstrike design feature
• Strong collector demand for early Morgan varieties
• Classic Old West silver dollar
• Combines numismatic interest with intrinsic silver value

With its unique transitional reverse and first-year significance, the 1878 7/8 Tailfeathers Morgan Dollar stands as one of the most talked-about and collected varieties in the entire Morgan series—an essential addition for serious Morgan enthusiasts and early U.S. silver collectors. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our customer service representatives.

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