1878-P Morgan Silver Dollar 8-Tail Feathers BU

Get the first-year 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar 8-Tail Feathers variety struck at the Philadelphia Mint (an eagle is supposed to have an odd number of tailfeathers, resulting in a quick design change!). Get it now in Brilliant Uncirculated condition!

$471.00
In stock
Estimated Ship Date: 02/15/2026
Item
445384
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First-Year 8-Tail-Feathers Morgan

"Can you people even count?!!??!"

That's what critics likely shouted at U.S. Mint officials after the 1878-P Morgan Silver Dollar was first released. Of course, the Morgan went on to become perhaps the most widely collected vintage silver dollar ever struck in American history, but eagle-eyed collectors noted that the Bald Eagle depicted on the reverse sported eight tail feathers – even though this particular eagle should only have seven!

Act Fast To Secure This Famous 8 Tail Feathers Morgan

This coin represents the Mint's first attempt at striking the coin. It's the famous 8 Tail Feathers variety–so named after experts pointed out that eagles have an odd number of tail feathers. Because of this fact, a design change was quickly ordered requiring new dies to be made–but not before the original 8 Tail Feathers variety was released for circulation. This design is extremely popular among collectors because it is the lowest mintage of all 1878 Morgans. The Mint would try to rectify the problem not once, but twice resulting in not one, not two, but THREE unique collector variations! That makes this one of three varieties of first-year Morgans struck at the Philadelphia Mint! No Morgan collection is complete without it, so secure yours now in gleaming Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. With only limited quantities available, this fine-feathered offering will not last for long. Click this 1878-P Morgan Silver Dollar 8-Tail Feathers coin to your cart today!

COIN HIGHLIGHTS:

  • AMERICA'S MOST POPULAR COIN – The Morgan Silver Dollar–so named for its designer, U.S. Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan– has stood the test of time. Struck from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, it was the coin of America's "Wild West" and jingled in the coin purses of gamblers, gunfighters, soldiers and dance hall girls.
  • CLASSIC DESIGNS – Morgan's historic design depicts a profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse while the reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings. The model used for Liberty was Miss Anna Williams of Philadelphia, who Morgan declared to have the most perfect feminine profile he had ever seen.
  • FAMOUS 8 TAIL FEATHERS VARIETY – This first-year 1878 Morgan is the 8 Tailfeathers variety, so named after experts pointed out that eagles have an odd number of tail feathers. Because of this, a design change was quickly ordered requiring new dies to be made–but not before the original 8 Tail Feathers variety was released for circulation.
  • STRUCK IN GLEAMING AMERICAN SILVER – Morgan Silver Dollars were struck in highly pure 90% fine silver from the famous Comstock Lode and measure 38.1 mm in diameter.
  • LEGAL TENDER SILVER DOLLAR – Morgans were $1 legal tender and struck during the heyday of America's Wild West era where coins were overwhelmingly preferred over paper currency.
  • BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED CONDITION – Your 1878-P Tail Feathers Morgan Silver Dollar will come in gleaming Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition.
  • THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING MORGANS – While millions of Morgan Silver Dollars were struck from 1878 through 1921, massive silver meltings and the ravages of time have taken their toll. Today coin experts believe that only 15% of all Morgans ever struck remain in existence!

Get the first-year 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar 8-Tail Feathers variety struck at the Philadelphia Mint (an eagle is supposed to have an odd number of tailfeathers, resulting in a quick design change!). Get it now in Brilliant Uncirculated condition!

More Information
Country of ManufactureUnited States (US)
Country of OriginUnited States
Denominating CountryUnited States
Currency TypeDollar
Denomination1.00
Year of Issue1878
Mint NameU.S. Mint
Sold Out at MintNo
Maximum Mintage9759300
Grade TypeMetal Grade: BU
Obverse DesignLiberty
Obverse Designer / EngraverGeorge T. Morgan
Reverse DesignEagle
Reverse Designer / EngraverGeorge T. Morgan
CompositionSilver
Purity.900
Weight in Troy Ounces 0.858 Ounce - oz
Dimensions38.1mm
Finish EnhancementN/A
ShipDate NotificationFeb 14, 2026, 6:00:00 PM