1878 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-008

Description

Eighth doubled die reverse on the 1878 Morgan Dollar with the Reverse of 1879 die configuration, this WDDR-008 is paired with the later reverse type that features a round-breasted eagle with concave tail feathers — distinct from the flat-breasted eagle of the Reverse of 1878 variant. The existence of the same WDDR sequence number (008) on both reverse types reflects the independent cataloging of DDRs for each configuration, as they are treated as separate die families within the Wexler attribution system. The 1878 issue is uniquely significant as the inaugural year of Morgan Dollar production under the Bland-Allison Act, and the simultaneous use of two different reverse hub designs during the first year created an additional layer of complexity for both die manufacturers and modern variety researchers. The Reverse of 1879, which became the standard design used throughout the remainder of the series through 1921, was still being introduced during 1878 production, meaning die shops were manufacturing working dies from two different reverse hubs simultaneously. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID: 1878 $1 WDDR-008, collectors should confirm which reverse type their specimen carries — the Reverse of 1878 or Reverse of 1879 — before attempting DDR attribution, as the two reverse designs have separate DDR catalogs.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1878 $1 WDDR-008
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References