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1880-S 8/7

Dollars · Morgan Dollars · 1878–1921
Variety
Weight26.73 g
Diameter38.1 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 8,900,000 Combined mintage for all 1880-S varieties
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerGeorge T. Morgan
Collector's Key IDCK-4641

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1880-S:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1880-S 8/7 is a San Francisco overdate variety where the underlying 7 of an 1879-prepared working die remains visible beneath the corrected 8 of the 1880 date. The variety parallels the 1880-CC 8/7 varieties and belongs to the same 8,900,000-piece 1880-S mintage that produced the standard 1880-S and the 1880-S 80/79 variety catalogued separately on this site. Van Allen-Mallis attributes multiple VAM listings depending on the strength and position of the underlying 7. Unlike the 1880-CC 8/7 Reverse of 1878 combination, the 1880-S 8/7 carries the standard Reverse of 1879 hub.

Authentication of an 8/7 claim turns on the third digit of the date. Under five to ten power magnification, the upper portion of the underlying 7 protrudes through the 8, visible above the upper loop and slightly to the right. The stronger varieties show clearer remnants of the 7 and command the highest premiums in the variety market. PCGS, the Professional Coin Grading Service, and NGC attribute the strongest VAM examples in their slabs. Counterfeit overdates exist; verify weight at 26.73 grams and a clean reeded edge before paying any premium.

The 1880-S 8/7 is a documented die-marriage variety within the 1880-S profile and pairs naturally with the 1880-S 80/79 in collections that target the year's overdate progression. Pricing trades at a modest premium over the standard 1880-S across all Mint State grades, with the gap widest at MS65 and above where the variety's overall San Francisco strike quality preserves the gem ceiling. Most certified examples grade MS62 to MS65; MS66 and above is condition-scarce. Certified slabs from PCGS or NGC with the VAM attribution noted on the holder are the standard purchase route at any meaningful price level, since variety counterfeits and misattributions both circulate in the raw market. The Van Allen-Mallis attribution system catalogues every documented Morgan die marriage, and the Top 100 Morgan VAM register identifies the most-collected varieties for specialist collectors. For the broader 1879-1880 overdate context across the operating mints, see the Morgan Dollar series history.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1880-S 8/7 Morgan Dollars were minted?
8,900,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1880-S varieties).
What is a 1880-S 8/7 Morgan Dollar made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 26.73 g.
What is the melt value of a 1880-S 8/7 Morgan Dollar?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1880-S 8/7 Morgan Dollar a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.