The 1878 7/8TF Strong Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $75 in heavily circulated condition to well over $3,000 or more in pristine mint state, making it one of the most exciting — and overlooked — varieties in American silver coinage. If you stumbled across one of these in an old collection or coin jar, you may be holding something genuinely valuable.
What Makes the 1878 7/8TF Strong Variety Special
The 1878 Morgan Dollar was the very first year this iconic silver coin was minted, and that alone makes it historically significant. But the 1878 7/8TF Strong variety takes things to a whole new level.
“TF” stands for “Tail Feathers,” referring to the number of tail feathers on the eagle on the coin’s reverse side. Early in 1878, the Mint started striking Morgans with 8 tail feathers, then quickly switched to 7. During that transition, some coins were struck using dies that had the 8 feathers partially ground down to show 7 — but the original 8 feathers are still clearly visible underneath. On the “Strong” variety, you can see that ghostly outline of the 8th feather very distinctly.
This makes the 1878 7/8TF Strong a transitional die variety — sought after by Morgan dollar collectors and variety enthusiasts alike. It’s not just an old coin; it’s a piece of U.S. Mint history frozen in silver.
How Much Is the 1878 7/8TF Strong Morgan Dollar Worth?
The value of this coin depends heavily on its condition, also known as its “grade.” Even in circulated condition, this variety commands a strong premium over a standard 1878 Morgan Dollar.
Here’s a general value table based on current market data:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $75 – $110 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $150 – $250 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $300 – $500 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $600 – $900 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $3,000+ |
For the most up-to-date auction results and dealer prices, you can browse current 1878 7/8TF Morgan Dollar market prices and recent sales data to see what collectors are actually paying right now.
How to Identify the 1878 7/8TF Strong on Your Coin
Not every 1878 Morgan Dollar is this variety, so knowing what to look for is important before you get excited — or disappointed.
Flip the coin over to the reverse (the eagle side). Count the tail feathers carefully. If you see 7 feathers but notice a clear, strong outline or ghost of an 8th feather underneath, you likely have a 7/8TF coin.
The word “Strong” means that the underlying 8th feather is quite prominent and visible to the naked eye or under low magnification. A “Weak” variety exists too, but it’s less desirable to collectors. You’ll also want to check for the “7 Feathers” design on the reverse — specifically, look at how the top two tail feathers align. On the 7/8TF Strong, the doubling is especially obvious near the top right of the tail fan.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a coin identifier and value app can help you photograph and analyze your coin quickly and easily from your phone.
Getting Your 1878 7/8TF Strong Graded and Sold
If you believe you have this variety in decent condition, it’s worth getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. A certified coin always sells for more than a raw (ungraded) one, because buyers trust the authentication.
For coins in AU or Mint State condition, professional grading can add hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars to your final sale price. It’s a small investment for a potentially big return.
You can also use CoinHix to research current prices before you decide to sell. CoinHix pulls real-time data from auctions and dealer listings so you always know what the market looks like. Many collectors use CoinHix to track their collection’s value over time and spot the right moment to sell.
For additional background on what makes 1878 silver dollars valuable across all varieties, check out this helpful overview of 1878 silver dollar values and what affects their worth — it covers the full picture of this fascinating year in Morgan coinage.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1878 Morgan Dollar is the 7/8TF Strong variety?
A: Look at the reverse side and examine the eagle’s tail feathers. If you can clearly see the outline of an 8th feather beneath the 7 feathers shown, and that ghost feather is bold and obvious, you likely have the 7/8TF Strong variety. A magnifying glass or loupe (5x–10x) makes this much easier to spot.
Q: Is the 1878 7/8TF Strong worth more than a regular 1878 Morgan Dollar?
A: Yes, significantly more in most grades. A standard 1878 7TF Morgan might sell for $50–$80 in circulated condition, while the 7/8TF Strong typically starts at $75 and goes well above that in better grades. Collectors pay a premium for confirmed die varieties.
Q: Where is the best place to sell an 1878 7/8TF Strong Morgan Dollar?
A: Your best options are major auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers for high-grade coins, or reputable dealers and eBay for circulated examples. Before selling anywhere, use CoinHix to check recent sale prices so you know exactly what your coin should fetch on the open market.