1878 7TF $1 Reverse of 1878 MS DMPL

Key to Collecting: The 7 Tail Feathers reverse occurs with the Reverse of 1878 with the eagle’s breast flat and the arrow feathers parallel. These were struck in large quantity, being the design of choice after the brief 8 Tail Feathers coinage and the overstamping of many of those 8 Tail Feathers dies with this 7 Tail Feathers hub, creating the “Doubled Tail Feathers.” Now, the present listing is for “pure” 7 Tail Feathers coins. These were made in large quantity and comprise most of the mintage of 1878.

Surface Quality: Most circulation strikes have excellent detail, but some show weakness on the eagle’s talons and below. The eagle’s breast is flat, rather than rounded. At first glance, a well-struck 1878, 7 Tail Feathers, may appear to be weak. However, close examination will reveal excellent breast feather detail on most. Usually seen with satiny luster, sometimes lifeless and rather dull on the obverse, while frosty on the reverse. Some are prooflike, but without sharp contrast between field and motifs.

Prooflike Coins: Prooflike coins are plentiful, but often with little contrast.

Mintage and Distribution: The mintage is estimated as 7,850,000, based on production from April 4 to June 28, 1878, assuming that no earlier dies were used on April 4 and later, and that after June 28 all dies were of the next style. This is not a strong premise, but may be approximate. The distribution of all 1878 dollars was extensive at the time, but many remained on hand through the time of the 1962 through 1964 Treasury release.

Mintage: 250 is a popular estimate, although there is no offcial figure. Van Allen and Mallis suggest that 200 Proofs were struck, all of the VAM-131 variety.

Key to Collecting: Striking is sometimes light above the ear. Medium to low cameo contrast. This variety will challenge you, not only to find one in the first place, but beyond that, to get one with good eye appeal. No wonder gems are apt to make auction bidders sit straight up in their chairs!

Many varieties are listed by VAM and in The Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties. Collecting varieties all across the spectrum of the year 1878 is a popular pursuit with specialists. Over 1.1 million coin & currency values updated hourly.