1878 7TF Reverse of 1878

The 1878 7 Tail Feathers Reverse of 1878 is the second major hub variation of the inaugural Morgan Dollar year, struck after Chief Engraver William Barber modified the original eight-tail-feather reverse to seven tail feathers but before the further refinement that produced the Reverse of 1879. The Reverse of 1878 carries flat parallel eagle breast feathers and slightly different lettering and rim treatment than the later Reverse of 1879. Philadelphia's combined 1878 output across the three reverse subtypes was 10,509,550 pieces; the 7 TF Reverse of 1878 share is the middle production tier between the brief 8 TF run and the subsequent Reverse of 1879.

Authentication of the Reverse of 1878 turns on three diagnostics under five to ten power magnification. First, the eagle's tail feathers count to seven, distinguishing the variety from the 8 TF. Second, the eagle's breast is flat with parallel feather detail, where the Reverse of 1879 shows a more rounded breast with concave feather lines. Third, the top of the reverse shows distinctive die-prep characteristics in the wreath and lettering that an experienced eye can spot at a glance. PCGS, the Professional Coin Grading Service, and NGC attribute the variety in their slabs. Most surviving examples grade VF to MS64 from circulation and broken Treasury bag releases.

The 1878 7 TF Reverse of 1878 is a regular issue by mintage classification but a meaningful subtype variety within the collecting community. The standard collector approach pairs the three 1878 reverse subtypes (8 TF, 7 TF Reverse of 1878, 7 TF Reverse of 1879) as the inaugural-year set. Pricing trails the 8 TF in lower grades and matches it in upper Mint State, with MS65 examples commanding the meaningful condition premium. For the Bland-Allison Act backdrop and the longer hub-modification story of the 1878 inaugural year, see the Morgan Dollar series history.