The Morgan reverse was intended to have 7 tail feathers ( designed in 1877). Before their use, the reverse was modified, and Morgan decided that 8 TF gave it a more symmetrical balance of design. He didn't realize that it wa traditional for the eagle to have odd number of feathers. The dies cracked and had problems, so the reverse was redone intending 7 tail feathers. The public/political pressure to produce the dollars was so great that Morgan decided to use the new 7 feather design hub to finish striking the 8 TF dies that had not finished the process which required up to 10 blows ( strikes), only 1 a day, so it would take up to 10 days to make dies from the new 7 TF hub. 50 reverse dies of 7/8 TF were made but many did not show the part of the 8TF, and appeared just 7TF. Some also may have cracked in the haste process. More details in Van Allen,Mallis Comprehensive catalog. Also check photos here http://www.vamworld.com/1878-P+VAMs Jim
