1878 8TF $1 MS66 Certification #13695304, PCGS #7072

CoinFacts Details

Owner's Comments

The popular "8TF" (eight tail feathers) variety marks the first adopted reverse for the new silver dollars of 1878. The design was later revised to seven tail feathers in accordance with Morgan's original intent, although the even number eight is actually more accurate. (According to Hawk Mountain's Research Center, most large birds of prey including the Bald Eagle have precisely 12 tail feathers, an even number.) This spectacular coin has some prooflike characteristics, exciting eye appeal, and PQ technical qualities - high end for the assigned grade. Ex Bowers & Merena, Baltimore (11/10/06:3521); previously ex Dale Larsen; Larry Shapiro; Superior, pre-Long Beach Sale (6/1/04:3105)

Expert Comments

Ron Guth

The first Morgan Dollars bore 8 Tail Feathers, which apparently is an ornothologic impossibility, since bald eagles have seven tail feathers. This error was corrected later in the year but not until nearly three-quarters of a million dollars were made with the 8 Tail Feather reverse. This is a fairly common date that can be found in average Uncirculated grades but is scarce in Gem condition. Prooflike examples make up a small portion of the surviving population and Deep Mirror Prooflikes are an even a smaller subset, although both can be found with relative ease. In MS-64 and better conditions, DMPL 1878 8TF dollars are very rare.

PCGS #

7072

Designer

George T. Morgan

Edge

Reeded

Diameter

38.10 millimeters

Weight

27.20 grams

Mintage

749500

Metal

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

18476

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	250000	R-1.8	49 / 117 TIE	49 / 117 TIE
All Grades	75000	R-2.2	57 / 117 TIE	57 / 117 TIE
60 or Better	2000	R-4.6	59 / 117 TIE	59 / 117 TIE

Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
65 or Better	250000
All Grades	75000
60 or Better	2000

Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
65 or Better	R-1.8
All Grades	R-2.2
60 or Better	R-4.6

Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	49 / 117 TIE
All Grades	57 / 117 TIE
60 or Better	59 / 117 TIE

Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	49 / 117 TIE
All Grades	57 / 117 TIE
60 or Better	59 / 117 TIE

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS68 PCGS grade
2	MS67 PCGS grade	Coronet Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 6/2015:1, $55,813
2	MS67 PCGS grade
4	MS66+ PCGS grade	Northern Lights Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 1/2017:214, $19,388
4	MS66+ PCGS grade

#1 MS68 PCGS grade

#2 MS67 PCGS grade

Coronet Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 6/2015:1, $55,813

#2 MS67 PCGS grade

#4 MS66+ PCGS grade

Northern Lights Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 1/2017:214, $19,388

#4 MS66+ PCGS grade