8 Reales (Spanish Colonial 'Pieces of Eight')

Spanish Empire, Viceroyalty of Mexico (Mexico City Mint) · 1739; Philip V reign

A silver Spanish Colonial coin known as a Columnar or 'Pillar Dollar', featuring a crowned coat of arms on one side and the cross with lions and castles on the other.

Country: Spanish Empire, Viceroyalty of Mexico (Mexico City Mint)
Year: 1739; Philip V reign
Denomination: 8 Reales
Metal: Silver (.917 fineness)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified April 21, 2026More spanish empire, viceroyalty of mexico (mexico city mint) coins →

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Overview

A silver Spanish Colonial coin known as a Columnar or 'Pillar Dollar', featuring a crowned coat of arms on one side and the cross with lions and castles on the other.

Historical significance

Commonly known as the 'Piece of Eight', these coins were the primary international currency of the 18th century and served as legal tender in the United States until 1857.

Obverse (front)

A crowned Spanish coat of arms flanked by the denomination '8' and the mint/assay mark. Legend: PHILIPPUS V D.G. HISPANIARUM REX.

Reverse (back)

A cross with castles and lions in the quadrants within a quatrefoil border. Legend: ET IND ARUM REX 1739.

Estimated value

$50 - $150 for common examples; however, this specific item shows significant casting bubbles and mushy details suggesting it may be a modern replica or counterfeit worth roughly $5-$10 as a reference piece.

What drives this coin's value

Authenticity, silver content, date, and mint mark. For genuine coins, the clarity of the crown and the legends drives the price.

Grade assessment

Appears to be a 'Very Fine' grade at first glance, but the surface texture (pitting and bubbles) strongly indicates a modern cast replica.

Mintage & rarity

Original 1739 strikes are common; however, authenticity is a major concern for this specific specimen.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic pieces were 'milled' (struck), not cast. Look for casting bubbles (visible on this item), a seam on the edge, or weight discrepancies. This specimen shows a 'soft' appearance and circular pitting typical of cast fakes.