Numismatic

1878 Morgan Dollar 8 Tailfeathers VF

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The year 1878 marked the debut of a legendary American silver coin. This particular specimen, preserved in Very Fine condition, represents the initial design of the Morgan Dollar series. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin carries no mint mark, a traditional feature of the facility's coinage during this era. Over its history, the Morgan Dollar served as a cornerstone of American currency for about 80 years, circulating widely across a growing nation. On the obverse, a profile of Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap, a classic symbol adorned with the word Liberty. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, representing the original colonies that formed the United States, alongside the motto E Pluribus Unum and the 1878 date of issue. The coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal. The reverse displays a bald eagle clutching both an olive branch of peace and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing strength. This early variety is distinguished by the eagle having eight tailfeathers. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions United States of America, One Dollar, and the national motto, In God We Trust.