The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $150 in worn condition to over $3,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these rare varieties in your collection can be a thrilling experience for any American household, as its unique history makes it highly prized by collectors.
Understanding the Rare 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Variety
The San Francisco Mint produced millions of silver dollars in 1879, but a small portion of them used the older hub from the previous year. To identify this coin, you need to look at the eagle on the reverse side. If the top feather of the eagle’s arrow is straight and the chest is flat, you have found a “Reverse of 1878” (also known as the Top 100 VAM 12 or VAM 29). This is much rarer than the standard 1879-S with the rounded chest and slanted arrow feather.
If you are unsure whether you have the common version or this valuable variety, you can use the top coin identifier app to get a quick visual confirmation. Many everyday Americans discover these gems while cleaning out old safes or inheriting family collections. Because the difference is subtle, many people overlook this variety, but for a collector, it represents a significant piece of numismatic history. The CoinHix app can also help you track the current market demand for such specific minting errors and varieties.
Current Market Value and Price Guide for the 1879-S 78 Silver Dollar
Values for this coin have remained remarkably stable because the variety is well-documented. Even in “Very Good” or “Fine” condition, where the coin shows significant wear, the premium over its silver weight is substantial. While a common 1879-S might sell for close to its silver melt value plus a small premium, the “Reverse of 1878” version starts in the triple digits.
As the grade increases, so does the price. Most specimens found in homes today are in the AU (About Uncirculated) range. However, if you are lucky enough to possess a coin that has never been spent, the 1879-S Morgan Dollar Mint State prices can skyrocket into the thousands of dollars. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended for this specific coin to ensure you receive the full market value when selling.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8) | $150 – $185 |
| Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20) | $210 – $275 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $350 – $425 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $550 – $700 |
| Mint State (MS-60 to MS-63) | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-64+) | $3,500 – $10,000+ |
Key Identifying Features of the 1879-S Reverse of 1878
To determine the 1879-S silver dollar value accurately, you must examine the eagle’s breast. On the 1878 design (the rare variety), the eagle has a flat chest. On the standard 1879 design (the common variety), the eagle’s breast is convex and rounded. This is often the easiest way to spot the difference with the naked eye.
Another tell-tale sign is the arrow feathers held in the eagle’s claws. The 1878 hub features a top feather that is perfectly straight. In contrast, the updated 1879 hub has a top feather that is slanted or “parabolic.” Finally, look at the bale on the wheat stalks on the reverse. The 1878 version has a flat bale, while the 1879 version is rounded. Using a tool like CoinHix allows you to compare high-resolution photos of these details against your own coin, ensuring you don’t misidentify a common coin for a rare one.
Factors That Influence Your Coin’s Worth
Beyond the variety itself, the condition (or “grade”) of your silver dollar is the most important factor in its pricing. Coins that have been cleaned or damaged by jewelry mounts will lose a significant portion of their collector value. Even if your 1879-S Reverse of 1878 is genuine, scratches across Liberty’s face or the eagle’s wings can drop the price by hundreds of dollars.
Eye appeal also plays a role. Some silver dollars develop a beautiful “toning” or rainbow-like oxidation over time. Collectors often pay a premium for attractively toned coins. Conversely, a coin that looks dull or “dipped” in cleaning solution will be less desirable. To get an idea of how these factors affect your specific piece, the CoinHix app provides a database of recent auction results so you can see what similar coins have sold for in the past month.
Where to Sell Your 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Silver Dollar
Once you have identified your coin, you might be wondering how to turn it into cash. Local coin shops are a convenient option, but they typically offer 60-70% of the retail value because they need to make a profit. For a high-value variety like the 1879-S Reverse of 1878, you might consider a specialized numismatic auction house or a reputable online marketplace.
If your coin appears to be in Uncirculated condition, it is almost always worth the investment to have it professionally graded. A certified MS-63 specimen is much easier to sell for a fair price than an uncertified “raw” coin, as the buyer has a guarantee of authenticity and grade. Always research the current market trends before accepting an offer to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell the difference between an 1879-S and an 1879-P?
A: Look on the reverse of the coin, just above the “DO” in DOLLAR. If you see a small “S” mint mark, it was made in San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was made in Philadelphia (1879-P).
Q: Is every 1879-S Silver Dollar worth a lot of money?
A: Not necessarily. The common 1879-S (Reverse of 1879) is very plentiful and usually sells for $40 to $60 in average condition. Only the “Reverse of 1878” variety commands the high premiums discussed in this guide.
Q: Should I clean my 1879-S Silver Dollar to make it look better?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning removes the original surface luster and creates microscopic scratches that collectors hate. A cleaned coin can lose up to 50% or more of its value instantly.
Q: What is the “PAF” variety?
A: PAF stands for “Parallel Arrow Feather.” This is another name for the Reverse of 1878 variety. If you see this term in a price guide, it is referring to the same rare 1879-S coin with the straight top feather.
