1878 Morgan Dollar - 7/8 Strong

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1878

Denomination

Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Morgan Dollars 1878-1921

Designer

George T. Morgan

Mintage (whole issue)

9,759,300

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

26.73g

Diameter

38.1mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$87 - $2,546

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $15,010
Sold: 3 January 2011
Grade: MS66
Auction house: Bowers & Merena

Description

Seven tail feathers over eight: an 8TF die was re-hubbed with the 7TF design, and the tips of the original feathers show below the new ones. The effect is in the die, so every coin struck from it carries the same remnant in the same position. Any mintage or rarity ranking given below counts the entire issue for this date and mint, not this variety: a variety comes from one die or a few, and how many coins they struck was never separately recorded. The 1878 Morgan Dollar - 7/8 Strong is a dollar from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Morgan Dollars 1878-1921 series. The 1878 Morgan Dollar issue as a whole had a mintage of 9.8 million; how many coins carry this variety is unknown. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by stars and the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. First year of the Morgan Dollar. Eight tail feather and seven tail feather varieties exist from early die adjustments. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $87 to $2.5K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7078.