Search results
Jun 11, 2018 · Learn about the history and usage of pieces of eight, Spanish silver coins that circulated in the American colonies. Find out how they were cut, minted, and replaced by the dollar.
The Spanish dollar, also known as the piece of eight ( Spanish: real de a ocho, dólar, peso duro, peso fuerte or peso ), is a silver coin of approximately 38 mm (1.5 in) diameter worth eight Spanish reales. It was minted in the Spanish Empire following a monetary reform in 1497 with content 25.563 g (0.8219 ozt) fine silver.
Learn about the origin, use, and value of pieces of eight, the silver coins that were popular among pirates and colonists. Discover how the Spanish dollar influenced the U.S. currency and why it was called pieces of eight.
Learn about the origin and use of the Spanish dollar, also known as a Piece of Eight, in colonial America and pirate lore. Find out how pirates searched for treasure in silver and gold coins, and how the US banned foreign money in 1857.
Mar 6, 2024 · Pieces of eight are historical Spanish dollar coins minted in the Americas from the late 15th century through the 19th century. Made of silver, they were in nearly worldwide circulation by the late 19th century and were legal currency in the United States until 1857.
- Niki Foster
Sep 25, 2010 · Pieces of eight were the world's first global currency. As the coins of Spain they were used across the vast Spanish Empire, stretching from South America to the Philippines, but were also...
