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1878 8 Tail Feathers Morgan dollar value guide -- the first-year design variety, mintage, and price estimates.
Note: a full grade-by-grade breakdown for this coin is still being compiled.
The first Morgan dollar design of 1878 -- the eagle's tail shows 8 feathers, changed mid-year to 7 feathers after a design tweak.
First-year type coin, popular as an affordable way to own the very first Morgan dollar struck.
Live listings matching the 1878 8 Tail Feathers Morgan Silver Dollar
Other dates and varieties in this series
Condition drives price more than any other factor on a coin like this — two examples of the same date can be worth very different amounts depending on wear and authentication.
The value table above is organized by grade for a reason — a coin's condition, not just its date, sets where it lands on that range. If you're not sure how to grade, a seller's photos and description should call it out.
A professionally graded (PCGS/NGC) example carries more certainty than a raw coin, and usually a small premium for it. Both are fine to buy — just factor grading into the price you're comparing.
Prices vary between individual sellers here, not one retailer's price list. Sort by price, check the seller's Metal Points and order history, and message the seller if photos don't show enough detail to grade confidently.
About the 1878 8 Tail Feathers Morgan Silver Dollar
A typical circulated example brings around $141, with uncirculated examples ranging from $439 to $2,538.
The first Morgan dollar design of 1878 -- the eagle's tail shows 8 feathers, changed mid-year to 7 feathers after a design tweak.
For anything you believe is a key date or an error, professional grading protects both buyer and seller by settling condition and authenticity before money changes hands.
List it free on PeerMetals — flat 2.75% seller fee, zero listing fees, 1–3 day payouts.
