1878 $1 Morgan Silver Dollar, 8 Tailfeathers PCGS PR63

First version of the first year Morgan dollar proof!

Would you like to include an outstanding piece in your coin collection? And would you like that outstanding piece to be the very first version of the uber-popular Morgan dollar? This is the proof version of the 8 Tailfeathers Morgan dollar, a variety that is cherished by collectors both young and old. Attractive examples such as this offering are always in demand. This first year issue is sharply struck with extremely well preserved surfaces that border on pristine.

PCGS has graded 35 as Proof 63 with 65 finer.

This is one of an estimated 500 proofs produced with the 8 Tailfeather reverse. However, researcher David Bowers believes that the figure should be 300—due to this proof issue’s scarcity. Bowers included the figure of 300 in his iconic 1993 study, Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia. Greatly desired because of its appeal as a one year type, proof examples rarely appear at auction or for direct sale. They generate significant interest when they do. Please take a careful look at the photos provided.

 The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this beauty was struck in early 1878. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The 8 Tailfeathers reverse was employed for a few short weeks beginning on March 12, 1878 at the start of Morgan silver dollar production. These proofs are important as the first proofs ever struck of the Morgan dollar, before the reverse was redesigned to the 7 Tailfeathers motif. This issue is an extremely significant one, perhaps more so for type collectors who desire the true "first-of-type" proofs.