If you don't know the differences in the Morgan Silver Dollars of 1878 (first year struck), then read on and see the differences. The differences are on the reverse of the 1878 (no mint mark) strikes. Here's the 7 Tailfeathers variety: (all photos are courtesy of coinpage.com) http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-2779.html and here's the 8 tailfeather variety: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-575.html In reality, the US Mint in Philadelphia struck the 8 Tailfeathers variety first. Because of difficulties with the 8 Tailfeathers variety, new dies were made with only 7 Tailfeathers. And here's a photo of a 7 over 8 Tailfeathers variety: http://www.coinpage.com/large.php?tImageId=1333 But that's not the end of the 1878 differences. There are two more which are rarer than the two different Tailfeathers varieties: For at least the first half of 1878, the reverse dies featured an eagle with a flat breast and a parallel fletch on the top arrow. However, in nature, no healthy eagle has a sunken chest and unless one of the arrows held by the eagle was bent, the perspective was inappropriate (take a look at the bottom arrowhead in the image, then follow its "line" to the left, and you'll see where the fletch is either missing or way out of place). These two problems were fixed on the reverse dies used in the latter part of 1878 - the eagle's breast became rounded and the top fletch was slanted. These became known as the "Reverse of 1879" to differentiate them from the earlier dies. Thus, the 1878 7 Tail Feathers is found with either a Reverse of 1878 or a Reverse of 1879! Here's a photo of the 1878 w/Reverse of 1878: (courtesy coinfacts.com) http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dol...an_dollars/1878_7TF_rev1878_morgan_dollar.htm Here's that elusive 1879 Reverse: http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dol...an_dollars/1878_7TF_rev1879_morgan_dollar.htm So, with the 1878-CC and 1878-S Morgans that gives you Morgan Dollar Collectors 5 different 1878s to collect. The two different reverses being the toughest. Thought you'd like to know... Clinker
Thank you for the information. My Morgan album does not list any specific varieties for 1878, so I'll have to get a few extra coin holders.
quartertapper :hail:Good to hear from you. Keep watching my trivias for more Morgan varities. Thanks for reading and commenting... Clinker
For those who might have an interest - there is a little known report published by a now deceased member of the Society of Silver Dollar Collectors, Pete Bishal, on the various varities of the 1878 Morgan. It contains information that you will find no where else. I have a copy of this report, and was given permission to use it by Pete before his death. It is too large to post here, but if you want a copy, send me a PM with your email address and I will forward you a copy of the file.
sorry to here that he passed on ive been collecting morgans for years now my first set got stollen it had 1889cc but we must move on just want to thank everyone for making this the best forum ever people are good if giving a chance.
lionsdog64: Thanks for reading and commenting. You know, it's collectors like you that make a forum (Coin Talk) a good place for a coin collector to participate and interact with his numismatic peers! Clinker
