1878 8 Tail Feathers Morgan 90% Silver Dollar About Uncirculated to Brilliant Uncirculated (AU/BU) Condition Coin

Add a coveted first-year variety to your collection with this 1878 8TF Morgan Silver Dollar in AU/BU condition. Struck in .900 fine silver, this Morgan Dollar represents one of the earliest issues of the iconic series and features the distinctive 8 Tail Feathers (8TF) reverse design.

1878 8TF Morgan Dollar Design

The obverse of the 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar showcases George T. Morgan’s classic portrait of Lady Liberty, facing left and wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat. The surrounding inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “LIBERTY”, with the date 1878 below.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch. This early version is known as the 8TF (8 Tail Feathers) variety, a short-lived design that was quickly modified later in 1878, making it a highly collectible subtype among Morgan Dollar collectors.

8 Tail Feathers (8TF) First-Year Variety

The 1878 8TF Morgan Dollar is one of the most recognized varieties in the series. Early in production, the reverse design featured eight tail feathers on the eagle before being revised to seven, making the 8TF variety a key collectible from the first year of issue.

With a mintage of just 749,500, this 1878 8TF silver dollar is significantly scarcer than later Morgan Dollar issues. Its first-year status and unique design make it an essential piece for collectors building a comprehensive Morgan Dollar set.

.900 Fine Silver Morgan Dollar

This coin is struck in .900 fine silver, the standard composition for U.S. silver dollars of the era. Each 1878 Morgan Dollar contains substantial silver content, adding intrinsic value to its strong collector appeal.

As one of the earliest Morgan Dollars ever produced, the 1878 8TF issue represents the beginning of a series that would become one of the most widely collected in American numismatics.

AU/BU Condition Explained

An 1878 8TF Morgan Dollar in AU/BU condition shows minimal to no wear, with much of the original detail and mint luster preserved. About Uncirculated examples may show slight friction on high points, while Brilliant Uncirculated coins retain full luster and sharp design elements.

These higher-grade examples offer strong eye appeal, with clear details in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, making them desirable additions for collectors seeking a premium early Morgan Silver Dollar.

Key First-Year Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1878 8TF Morgan Dollar stands as a cornerstone of the series, combining first-year issue status, a unique design subtype, and limited mintage. Its historical importance and visual appeal make it a standout among vintage U.S. silver dollars.

Whether you are building a type set or completing a specialized variety collection, this 1878 8TF silver dollar offers both rarity and classic American coin design in a desirable AU/BU condition.