Owner Comments:
The 1879 10 Centavos is a provisional coin made of copper-nickel (the same proportion of metal as used in United States Shield Nickels of the era, and very close to the same diameter) issued to help retire the fractional paper money, which was in this year the main form of public currency. These 10 Centavos were made both in 1879 and 1880, as were 5 Centavo pieces. The scarce 20 Centavos was made only in 1879 (see discussion of this coin in my set "Quintos - 1/5 Sols of Peru"). The 1879, like the 1880, is very common. Millions were minted in Brussels. They are always available, in grades from VF up through near Gem. While the graded population is low, this is mainly due to the low value of the coin, precluding collectors from sending theirs in to the grading services. Please see my discussion on the front page about the supposed 1880 Proof 10 Centavos.
One in MS 62 at NGC, three in 64 at NGC, one in 64 at PCGS, one in 66 at NGC, one in 66 at PCGS, one in 67 at PCGS. Eight total graded, three in Gem or better.
Krause prices the 1879 at $10 and the 1880 at $5 in MS 60. These prices are reasonable, however, they should both be around the same level. I would say $10, or even $12.50 each. Despite the 1880 having a much larger graded population, I do not find the 1879 10 Centavos to be much more difficult in mint state. Dealers often mark up graded examples considerably.
Set Specimen: Immaculate surfaces with some light die lines on the reverse. The luster tends more towards prooflike than cartwheel. The lone finest graded. Top graded for entire type.
Photographs copyright PCGS.