Owner Comments:
The 1874 is an available date in circulated grades, but infrequently available in mint state. Only five mint state coins have been graded. Overall more scarce than the 1875 Dinero, especially in mint state. There are three main varieties, see below.
Flatt notes that 1874's have either a bar beneath the "O" in "DINO", others a dot. The bar is the old style die; the dot, the new style seen in coming years. Flatt notes that coins with the bar may come with normal or high 7. Some "bar" coins come with DI/DI in "DINO" and with a Roman or normal "1" in the date. A collection in Lima he had not seen in hand also reported three other varieties: a rotated die, a low 7, and P/P inverted in PERUANA, but it's not clear if these varieties are for the bar or dot coins of 1874.
Discussion: There are essentially three main varieties, unless one wants to attempt an inventory by individual die: Bar, Bar with Roman 1, and Dot. I have only seen two 1874 Dineros with a dot. They may be very scarce. With dot coins have a thick low "7" in the date. I have also seen two coins with a Roman 1. The "1" is very high. On one of the Roman 1 coins the date, YJ, and other lettering are re-cut.
I have also noted an obverse die that comes with the lower portion of the "O" in DINO missing the bottom of the circle. I have seen this die paired with both a Roman 1 and normal 1 reverse.
One in XF 45 at PCGS, one in AU 55 at PCGS, one in MS 61 at NGC, one in 64 at PCGS, two in 65 at NGC, one in 66 at PCGS. Five in mint state, three in Gem or better. $20 in 60.
Though the set specimen features a soft obverse strike, the glowing burnt-orange hues over full luster make up for any points lost. A very attractive, special coin in the light. One of my favorites in the set. Tied for second place with one other, one better.