Mexico 1860-Pi FE 8 reales

from Heritage sale 3098, lot 34156

The specimen shown is an 1860-Pi FE eight reales from the San Luis Potosí mint, which struck the type 1827-93. This date is one of several rare dates (1858-60) issued during the War of the Reform. The earlier issues of 1831-48 and later issues of 1861-93 are more available. The San Luis Potosí mint closed in 1893, having struck most of the silver and copper denominations but never issued gold. The SCWC lists five assayers (FC, FE, MC, RO and PS) and an overassayer PS/FE. All are rare. This specimen was lot 34156 in Heritage sale 3098 (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $36,000. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Mexico: Republic 8 Reales 1860 Pi-FE VF Details (Reverse Scratched) NGC, San Luis Potosí mint. An extreme rarity in Mexican numismatics that any collector of the prolific and intensely popular "cap and rays" series should take interest in. While Dunigan and Parker in their seminal reference Resplendores note a single example known, we've been able to trace at least three, possibly four total. A seemingly tumultuous year of production from the San Luis Potosí mint, boasting five separate assayers initials, this being the second rarest for the date. Despite the noted scratch to the reverse between the eagle's outstretched wing and body, the defect does little to detract from the overall appeal of this moderately circulated piece, laden with dove-gray appearances as a result of uniform, honest wear. A must-have for the 8 Reales specialist."

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 27.07 g, 0.903 fine silver, .786 troy oz ASW.

Catalog reference: KM 377.12, DP-Pi44.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Buttrey, T. V., and Clyde Hubbard, A Guide Book of Mexican Coins, 1822 to date, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1992.
• Dunigan, Mike, and J. B. Parker, Resplandores: Cap and Ray 8 Reales of The Republic of Mexico, 1823-1897, Beverly Hills, CA: Superior Stamp & Coin, 1997.
• Elizondo, Carlos A., Eight Reales and Pesos of the New World, San Antonio, TX: 1968.
• Raymond, Wayte, The Silver Dollars of North and South America, 2nd Ed., Racine, WI: Whitman Publishing, 1964.
• ^[1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, NYINC World Coins Signature Auction 3098, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.

Link to:

• Jalisco 1860 1/16 real
• Chihuahua 1860 1/4 real
• Durango 1860 1/4 real
• San Luis Potosi 1860 1/4 real
• 1860-M^O ¼ real
• 1860-C ½ real
• 1860-M^O ½ real
• 1860-Z^S ½ real
• 1860-G^A real
• 1860-Z^S real
• 1860-G^O 2 reales
• 1860-C 4 reales
• 1860-G^A 4 reales
• 1860-G^O 4 reales
• 1860-Z^S 4 reales
• 1860-C PV 8 reales
• 1860-C CE 8 reales
• 1860-C^A 8 reales
• 1860-D^O 8 reales
• 1860-G^A 8 reales
• 1860-G^O 8 reales
• 1860-M^O FH 8 reales
• 1860-M^O TH 8 reales
• 1860-O^A 8 reales
• 1860-P^I PS 8 reales
• 1860-Z^S MO 8 reales
• 1860-Z^S VL 8 reales
• 1860-C ½ escudo
• 1860-G^O ½ escudo
• 1860-M^O ½ escudo
• 1860-Z^S ½ escudo
• 1860-G^O escudo
• 1860-G^A escudo
• 1860-M^O escudo
• 1860-Z^S escudo
• 1860-G^A 2 escudos
• 1860-G^O 2 escudos
• 1860-Z^S 2 escudos
• 1860-Z^S 4 escudos
• 1860-C 8 escudos
• 1860-G^O 8 escudos
• 1860-M^O 8 escudos
• 1860-Z^S 8 escudos
• 1861-Pi 8 reales
• Coins and currency dated 1860
• return to Silver eight reales of Mexico, 1822-1897