Images(2)

Coin, 8 Reales

Date1744

Maker Mint: Mexico City

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.

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