1878 Morgan Dollar is a unique coin for any coin collector. 1878 was the first year of a new designed silver dollar coin named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who was a student of the Royal Mint in London England.
Three different mints coined 1878 Morgan Dollar, Philadelphia, San Francisco and the Carson City mint. Each Mint’s coin can be distinguished by the mint mark below the eagle’s tale or and absence of it. San Francisco 1878 Morgan Dollars are distinguished by “S” Mint mark, Carson City Mint Morgan Dollars can be distinguished by “CC” mint mark located below the eagle’s tale.
Further effecting the value of 1878 Morgan Dollar, there are three varieties of this coin known to collectors. Easily identifiable changes were made in the first year to the reverse design of the Morgan dollar. Well worth checking, the specific reverse variety of your coin has an impact on value in the uncirculated grade. The hardest of the three reverses to spot are the small details determining the 7 over 8 feather variety. Look for tips of feathers extending from underneath the major feathers.
The 8 Tail Feather variety illustrates how minor missed details can drastically change value of the coin. Bald eagle has only seven tail feathers. Original design of 1878 Morgan Dollar displayed the correct number of tail feathers which is seven. However, the original dies were designed with 8 tail feathers. It was too late to recall any of the coins that had already been struck, thus the 8 tail feather 1878 Morgan Dollar was put into circulation.
So while it can be hard to really spot the difference between the varieties, it is well worth the effort!
