Coin, 8 Reales

Date1740

Mint Mint: Mexico City

MediumSilver

DimensionsDiameter: 39 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.