Back to photostream

1747 Spanish Colonial 8 Reales - Mexico City Mint

Spanish Colonial 8 Reales - 1747 - Mexico City mint - Reverse.

 

Also known as a "piece of eight" or "Spanish Milled Dollar". Early American currency was denominated in these coins, which, due to their high silver content, were accepted in trade around the world.

 

Note that this is a later form of the piece of eight -- round, instead of the irregular shapes of earlier coins. This was due to the introduction of the screw press and collar, as used in European mints.

 

See www.valuable-coin-stories.com/silver-dollar-coin.html for more on the role of this coin in the American colonies.

3,308 views
2 faves
1 comment
Uploaded on June 28, 2006
Taken on June 27, 2006