Spanish Colonial Coin - Silver 8 Reales 'Piece of 8'

History of the Artifact

If you’ve ever wanted to hold in your hands your very own, genuine Spanish ‘Piece of 8’ or ‘Doubloon’, these original 18th century silver 8 Reales, minted across colonial America, are just what you are looking for! As with all artifacts sold in our store, these coins are authentic and NOT replicas, alongside your purchase, you will receive a certificate of authenticity. 

These iconic coins, that were traded across the colonies of the new world, aboard Gold and Silver filled Spanish Galleons, were the monies of choice across colonial America due to their unique uniform quality which made it a  popular currency for international trade. The 8 Reales coins is  the largest denomination of Spanish coins. 

Few people know that Americans liked them so much that they eventually based their own U.S. dollar on the Spanish real; in fact, these Spanish Reales were legal tender in the United States until 1857 and stock market shares were sold in eighths of a dollar (simple reals) until 1997. 

Curiously, the symbol of the United States Dollar is stylized after columns of Hercules and the ribbon that surrounds them on the shield depicted on these gorgeous coins!

The obverse of the coin shows the effigy  of the Spanish monarch in Latin followed by the legend (also in Latin) “DG HISPAN ET IND REX”, meaning “By the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies”.

The reverse depicts the sea, with the two hemispheres appearing beneath the crown and between the columns, a banner appears wrapped around each column, bearing the motto “PLUS ULTRA” (the national motto of Spain meaning “beyond” in Latin). The date of issue and the marks of the mint appear on the lower edge. 

The 8 Reales Silver Coin you will receive will be of very similar size and quality as the ones shown in the pictures. A coin similar to the ones pictured is guaranteed or your money back! The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.

How do I know these are original Spanish 8 Reale Coins?

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

What will my artifact look like?

Your coin will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact. If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Your order will include:

• One authentic 8 Reale Coin Minted under King Charles IV
• Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.