Numismatic

1878 Morgan Dollar 7/8 TF MS-63 NGC (Strong)

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The year 1878 marked the debut of a legendary American silver coin, born from the Bland-Allison Act to assist the domestic silver mining sector. Minted in Philadelphia, this inaugural issue of the Morgan Dollar series contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, with a total weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. It represents a moment of transition and artistic adjustment, visible in the very details of the metal. On the obverse, a classic profile of Lady Liberty faces left, surrounded by the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and the date 1878. The reverse displays an eagle with wings spread wide, gripping both an olive branch and arrows. This specific coin features the intriguing 7/8 Tail Feathers variety, often described as the Strong version, where seven tail feathers were re-engraved directly over an earlier design that featured eight feathers. This subtle engraving variation offers a direct window into the minting adjustments of 1878. This specimen is certified in Mint State 63 (MS-63) condition. The preservation of its surfaces allows observers to appreciate the fine details of George T. Morgan's original design, from the curls in Liberty's hair to the layered feathers of the eagle, making it a captivating piece of late nineteenth-century minting history.