1860 is like 1859 in that it would appear to be a common date based on its mintage, ranking of 39th out of 47. We rate the date as very scarce. In business strike format 1860 is one of the most underrated dates in the series. Most of the coins minted were exported to the Orient and subsequently melted for their silver content. Examples can be located, but patient searching is required. They are scarce in all grades, but more available than 1859 in high grades. They only become rare in gem BU. With price guides valuing it as a common date, 1860 defines the term “underrated”.

The finest known business strike is a single MS67 graded by NGC. The finest in PCGS holders are two coins graded MS66+. PCGS has graded one additional coin MS66. NGC has graded none at that level. Nine coins have been graded MS65, 3 by PCGS and 6 by NGC. A total of 147 coins have been given a mint state designation by the two major grading services. A few of these surely represent re-submissions, but the date is still much more available than 1859. However, in lower grades it’s at least as scarce, possibly more so. Over 40% of the coins graded by PCGS and NGC are mint state. With most price guides pricing it as a common date in all grades we consider the lower grades to be extremely underrated. Low grades are rare, emphasizing the fact that most were exported, with few reaching circulation. PCGS and NGC together have graded only 14 coins below VF, with 23 more graded at the various VF levels. Population statistics are as of October, 2022. An interesting note – the number of MS examples graded hasn’t increased since our book was first published in January, 2018. The total number at that time was also 147.