Morgan silver dollars?

Question

why are some of the 1878 morgan silver dollars listed as 8 tail feathers or 7 tail feathers? how can you tell??

Answer 1

On the eagle there are 7 or 8 tail feathers.  You tell by counting the feathers.  There is also a 7 over 8 tail feather coin.  

Answer 2

Well the first 1878 Morgan dollars came out with 8 tail feathers. The director of the mint found out bald eagles only had 7 tail feathers so it was changed. Alone the line a 7 tail feather hub and a 8 tail feather hub got together to form a 7 over 8 tail feather coin. There is also a 7 tail feather dollar with a second reverse that is the top arrow feather in parallel and there is a concave breast as well as a 3rd reverse that has slanted top arrow feather and a convex breast. You would have to see a coin dealer who has a Red Book or a guide book to Morgan dollars so you could see photo's. The first year of a new issue especially in the days before 1950 most of the time had a variety of types and kinds. For the 7 or 8 type count the tail feathers for the 7 of 8 you will see one feather over the other. Best bet a book.