1878 Morgan Silver Dollar, 7 Over 8 Feathers

Shortly into the Morgan dollar's first year of 1878, the eagle design on the reverse was changed from 8 tail feathers to 7 (to more accurately depict the eagle). Some coins already struck with 8 feathers were re-struck with a 7 tail feather die. But tips of previously struck 8 feathers are still visible. These "7 Over 8" tail feather 1878 silver dollars are a prominent and prized first-year-of-issue Morgan dollar variety!