Owner Comments:
The 1860 Real is part of the short three year series known as "transitionals". This coin was the precursor of the Dinero and shared largely of the same design.
The Real of 1860 is more difficult in all grades compared to the more common 1860 1/2 Real. Available in circulated grades, the 1860 is more challenging in mint state, and rare in Gem or better. Compared to the 1859 and 1861 Real, however, this is the common date of the three. There are many minor die varieties for this date.
The set specimen is the second finest graded, with only the Lissner example grading finer at MS 67. This coin appears to have poppier luster than the Lissner coin and is very high end for the grade, featuring booming luster and a near total lack of contact; essentially as struck. It is also the NGC price guide plate coin. Re-punching is seen one the date and many letters.
No 1860's have been graded at PCGS. NGC has one in 61, two in 62, three in 63, three in 64, and one each in 65, 66, and 67 for a total of 13 mint state coins. Add one graded 1859 Real in 63, and there are 14 total mint state coins for the type. Nice MS 63/64 examples, though showing up infrequently, often bring fairly modest prices, and are a recommended buy.
Photographs copyright Numismatic Guarantee Corporation.