Coin, 8 Reales
Date1744
Maker
Mexico City Mint
OriginMexico, Mexico City
MediumSilver
DimensionsDiameter: 39 mm
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family
Object number1996-872,195
DescriptionObverse legend: "VTRA QUE VNUM *Mo 1744 Mo"Reverse legend: "HISPAN.ETIND 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 1744-dated coin.ProvenanceHarmer Rooke Numismatists, 1976.
1725
