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Coin, 8 Reales
Record

Coin, 8 Reales

Date1752
Maker Mint: Lima
OriginSouth America, Peru, Lima
MediumSilver
DimensionsDiameter: 39 mm
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family
Object number1996-872,95
DescriptionObverse legend: "VTRAQUE VNUM *LM*1752*LM"

Reverse legend: "FERDND. VI.D.G.HISPAN.ET.IND.REX".
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 1752-dated coin.
ProvenanceGalerie des Monnaies, 6/25/1976.
Exhibition(s)