Owner Comments:
1863 is the first year of the Dinero series proper. Compared to coins of the coming years (even 1864), the 1863's were well made, featuring crisp strikes, bold rims, and careful letter/numeral punchings, Some nice examples were tucked away, though nowhere near the amount of 1863 1/2 Dineros saved. Searching for a pleasing choice example will still take some diligence. This date would make a superior type coin for the early series.
Flatt notes these come with large or small superscript o's; a rotated die is known with the small o. Flatt also reports (though he didn't own) an example with no dot between YB, and one with only one dot after REPUB (I have also not seen these). The 1972 Almanzar/Seppa price guide lists a normal and "crude die" for this date, with a very high valuation for the crude die. I have not seen a coin that would qualify as "crude".
Tied with one other Gem at NGC and one at PCGS. One better in 66 at NGC. NGC used to have a 67 in their records, but this coin has been removed. At lower grades, NGC has one in 62, one in 63, and three in 64. PCGS has two in 64. All PCGS coins are mistakenly listed under "South Peru".
The set specimen is a gorgeous original Gem featuring a very crisp strike, clean fields, and attractive mottled toning over splendid luster. One of those coins you can stare into for 20 minutes straight, slowly rotating it in the light.