Spanish Colonial Eight Reales
Also known as: Piece of Eight, Pillar Dollar, Spanish Dollar
DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.
Period
16th–19th century
Issuing entity
Spanish EmpireLarge silver coin of eight reales struck under Spanish authority in Europe and at colonial mints in the Americas, circulating internationally as a trade coin.
Historical context
The eight reales underpinned trade across the Americas and Asia and served as a reference for several later national dollar units.
Physical characteristics
- Metal
- Silver
- Denomination
- Eight reales
Technical characteristics
- Fabric
- Early cob issues struck on irregular flans; later milled issues on round flans
Design
- Reverse (milled type)
- Two globes between pillars, giving the pillar dollar name
Identification
- Mint marks
- Colonial mints including Mexico, Potosi and Lima are identified by distinct marks
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Weight and fineness standards by period to be transcribed from a verified reference
- Mint mark table to be compiled from a documented source