The number of Morgan Dollars in a "complete set" is determined by what the collector chooses to include. There are 97 regular issues and 9 mint errors which can be included -- or not -- depending upon collector preference.
Let's first review 1878 issues and detail which are regular issues and which are optional additions to a complete set of Morgans.
1878 8 Feather. This coin is part of the 97 regular issues. The first Morgan Dollar design, it is most easily recognized by its eight tail feathers and the hollow-breasted eagle.
1878 7/8 Feather. One of the optional coins in a Morgan set. This issue is a hub error in which the 8 tail feather reverse dies were reimpressed with the new 7 tail feather designed hub, creating the 7/8 Feather coin.
1878 7 Feather with 1878 Reverse. This is a regular issue, characterized by the hollow-breasted eagle design.
1878 7 Feather with 1879 Reverse. Another regular issue, this coin was minted with the round-breasted eagle design. The change from first to second reverse was made by the mint on June 28, 1878.
It is interesting to note a new round-breasted reverse die was not made for use by either San Francisco or Carson City in 1878. Thus both the 1878-S and 1878-CC regular issues display the hollow breast reverse only.
Other optional issues for the Morgan Dollar set include:
1879-CC Capped Dies. This issue was created when a large "CC" mint mark was punched over a small "CC" mint mark.
1879-S Reverse of 1878. This issue is characterized by the first-year hollow breast design.
1880-CC Reverse of 1878. This issue is characterized by the first-year hollow breast design.
1882-O/S. In this issue, a New Orleans mint mark was punched over an "S" mint die.
1887/6. This is 1887 punched over 1886 die.
1887/6-O. Another 1887 punched over 1886 die.
1895. Proof only issue.
1900-O/CC. This issue is created by New Orleans mint mark punched over "CC" dies.
The complete Morgan Dollar set will contain 97 regular issues and the collector's choice of any or all of the 9 optional coins. There is no "right" answer, so create a Morgan Dollar set to suit your personal preference. And, enjoy!
