Coin, 8 Reales
Date1740
OriginMexico, Mexico City
MediumSilver alloy
DimensionsDiameter: 39 mm
Depth: 2.5 mm
Depth: 2.5 mm
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family
Object number1996-872,69
DescriptionObverse legend: "Mo * VTRAQUE VNUM * Mo 1740"Reverse legend: "HISPAN.ET IND.REX* PHILIP.V.D.G."Label TextThe nickname "piece of eight" referred to a Spanish colonial silver coin of dollar size, officially worth 8 reales. Much like the gold doubloons, the earlier types of pieces of eight were irregularly shaped cobs. After 1732, the Spanish colonial mints began fazing them out in favor of a "milled" coin, which also received a nickname: the "Pillar dollar," like this 1740-dated coin.ProvenanceStack's, 9/4/1996.
1744
1752
1725
1870 (struck ca.1884)
1677
1604-1605
