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Coin, 8 Reales
Record

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.
Exhibition(s)