Morgan Silver Dollar

United States of America · 1878

A large silver coin featuring a profile portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1878
Denomination: One Dollar ($1 USD)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (0.7734 oz Silver)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 27, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A large silver coin featuring a profile portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

The first year of the Morgan Dollar series, authorized by the Bland-Allison Act. It marked a return to silver dollar production following the 'Crime of 1873' which had demonetized silver.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with 'LIBERTY' on the band, surrounded by 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', the year 1878, and 13 stars. Designed by George T. Morgan.

Reverse (back)

An eagle with wings spread, clutching an olive branch and arrows, within a wreath. Legends include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'ONE DOLLAR', and 'In God We Trust'.

Estimated value

$40-$70 in circulated condition; $150-$500 in Mint State (MS60-MS64); significantly higher for rare varieties like the 8 Tail Feathers or 7/8 Tail Feathers.

What drives this coin's value

The number of tail feathers on the eagle is the most critical factor for 1878; also, the presence of contact marks and original mint luster.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS). The coin appears bright with sharp details, though the photo quality makes it difficult to distinguish between light wear and original luster.

Mintage & rarity

Total mintage of 10.5 million for Philadelphia. Common in lower grades, but specific first-year varieties carry a premium.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be exactly ~26.7g; check for 'pitting' or soft details which suggest a cast counterfeit; verify the design of the eagle's tail feathers matches known 1878 dies.

Notable varieties & errors

8 Tail Feathers (8TF), 7/8 Tail Feathers (7/8TF), and 7 Tail Feathers (7TF) with various reverse types (SAF or PAF).

Similar coins

Peace Dollars (1921-1935) and various modern silver bullions; the 1878 is specifically distinguished by three sub-varieties involving the eagle's tail feathers.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only; do not clean or polish as this destroys numismatic value; store in an archival-safe, PVC-free flip or capsule.

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