Southland Coins & Collectibles Inc.
4670 Lake Street
Treasure Coins
Spanish 8 Reales or Spanish Dollars
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There are two major denominations of Spanish colonials: reales for silver coins and escudos for gold coins. Many of us are familiar with stories of pirate treasure of gold doubloons and pieces of eight. The escudos are the gold doubloons, and the reales are the silver pieces. The Real de a Ocho, also known as the Spanish dollar, the Eight Royals Coin, or the Piece of Eight, is a silver coin of approximately 38 mm diameter that was minted in the Spanish Empire after 1598. Its purpose was to correspond to the German thaler.
The Spanish dollar coin was worth eight reales and could be physically cut into eight pieces, or "bits," to make change — hence the colloquial name "pieces of eight." It became the first world currency by the late 18th century because of its wide use in Europe, the Americas, and the Far East. The American dollar used today was based on the Spanish dollar, and remained legal tender in the United States until the Coinage Act of 1857. Though they have been out of use for over one hundred years, pieces of eight have a lasting legacy. Terminology related to them was used to refer to certain portions of a dollar in the United States even in the 20th century; for example, a quarter was known as "two bits," and 50 and 75 cents were "four bits" and "six bits" respectively. The New York Stock Exchange listed stock prices in one-eighths of a dollar until 1997. Call for current inventory and pricing. |
NGC Certified 8 Reales from Spice Islands Wreck, circa 1630 - $450.00
The Spice Islands are a small group of islands to the northeast of Indonesia, between Celebes and New Guinea. The remains of an unknown vessel, perhaps a merchant or pirate ship, were discovered and contained several chests of 8 reales. The 8 reales were minted in the New World mints of Mexico City, Mexico, and Potosi, Bolivia, during the reign of Philip IV of Spain.
The Real de a Ocho, also known as the Spanish dollar, the Eight Royals Coin, or the Piece of Eight, is a silver coin of approximately 38 mm diameter that was minted in the Spanish Empire after 1598. Its purpose was to correspond to the German thaler. The Spanish dollar coin was worth eight reales and could be physically cut into eight pieces, or "bits," to make change — hence the colloquial name "pieces of eight."
These coins have been certified as genuine by the National Guaranty Corporation and are professionally preserved to maximize their historic beauty after having spent almost 400 years on the ocean floor. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
The Real de a Ocho, also known as the Spanish dollar, the Eight Royals Coin, or the Piece of Eight, is a silver coin of approximately 38 mm diameter that was minted in the Spanish Empire after 1598. Its purpose was to correspond to the German thaler. The Spanish dollar coin was worth eight reales and could be physically cut into eight pieces, or "bits," to make change — hence the colloquial name "pieces of eight."
These coins have been certified as genuine by the National Guaranty Corporation and are professionally preserved to maximize their historic beauty after having spent almost 400 years on the ocean floor. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
8 Reales from Spice Islands Shipwreck - $795.00
This coin was part of a Spice Islands Shipwreck discovery and has been certified by NGC as genuine. It was minted in 1622 in Potosi, Bolivia, during the reign of Philip IV. Philip IV (April 8, 1605-September 17, 1665) also called the Planet King, was King of Spain from 1621 until his death and and King of Portugal from 1621-1640 (as Philip III). Philip is remembered for his patronage of the arts, including such artists as Diego Velazquez and his rule over Spain during the Thirty Years' War.
The coin is extremely rare as part of the date (22) is visible on the reverse.
Click on the image to view a larger representation of the coin's obverse and reverse.
The coin is extremely rare as part of the date (22) is visible on the reverse.
Click on the image to view a larger representation of the coin's obverse and reverse.
SS Republic Treasure Coins
The SS Republic was a Civil War-era sidewheel steamship that sank in 1865 while carrying a large cargo of silver and gold coins and a stunning variety of everyday wares essential to life in mid-19th century America. It was discovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2003.
En route from New York to New Orleans with passengers and commercial cargo, the SS Republic was lost in a violent hurricane on October 25, 1865. The passengers and crew escaped from the sinking ship, yet a fortune in coins and much needed cargo to help rebuild New Orleans' post-Civil War economy sank to the bottom of the Atlantic seabed 1,700 feet (518 meters) deep. Nearly 140 years later, Odyssey discovered the shipwreck of the Republic approximately 100 miles off the Georgia coast.
The SS Republic was originally christened the SS Tennessee and served in both the Confederate and Union navies during the Civil War, including a stint as Admiral David Farragut's flagship. She fought vigorously in several conflicts, including the Battle of Mobile Bay, made famous by Farragut's exclamation, "Damn the torpedoes--full speed ahead!"
The two coins below were part of the discovery. Each coin on this page has been certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and is encapsulated with a special label. Call for current inventory and pricing.
En route from New York to New Orleans with passengers and commercial cargo, the SS Republic was lost in a violent hurricane on October 25, 1865. The passengers and crew escaped from the sinking ship, yet a fortune in coins and much needed cargo to help rebuild New Orleans' post-Civil War economy sank to the bottom of the Atlantic seabed 1,700 feet (518 meters) deep. Nearly 140 years later, Odyssey discovered the shipwreck of the Republic approximately 100 miles off the Georgia coast.
The SS Republic was originally christened the SS Tennessee and served in both the Confederate and Union navies during the Civil War, including a stint as Admiral David Farragut's flagship. She fought vigorously in several conflicts, including the Battle of Mobile Bay, made famous by Farragut's exclamation, "Damn the torpedoes--full speed ahead!"
The two coins below were part of the discovery. Each coin on this page has been certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and is encapsulated with a special label. Call for current inventory and pricing.
2 Reales - $3,995.00
This 2 reales was issued during the reign of Philip V, whose father was the eldest son of Louis XIV of France and Maria Theresa of Spain. Maria Theresa’s half-brother was King Charles II of Spain. Since King Charles II was childless, his will named Philip as his successor. When Charles died in 1700, Philip became King of Spain and ruled until 1724, when he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Louis. Louis only reigned for seven months and died from smallpox. Philip become king again and ruled until 1746. His reign was the longest in the history of the Spanish monarchy.
The obverse of the coin shows the Jerusalem cross, and the reverse has 2 columns with 3-digits of the date (741) and value (2) between them. The P designates that it was minted in Potosi, Bolivia, and the second P indicates the assayer.
The coin is certified by PCGS and is graded MS64. Click on the image to view a larger representation of the coin's obverse and reverse.
The obverse of the coin shows the Jerusalem cross, and the reverse has 2 columns with 3-digits of the date (741) and value (2) between them. The P designates that it was minted in Potosi, Bolivia, and the second P indicates the assayer.
The coin is certified by PCGS and is graded MS64. Click on the image to view a larger representation of the coin's obverse and reverse.
Cerro Rico Coins
With the discovery of Cerro Rico, considered the richest source of silver in history, the present-day city of Potosí was born. It began as a mining settlement established by the Spaniards on April 1, 1545, dependent on the city of La Plata (now Sucre). The amazing extraction of silver led to its rapid growth and by 1560 it had a population of 50,000. On November 21, 1561 it achieved city status and independence from the city of La Plata. The expansion of trade, the unexpected boom of the city and the unsealed silver in circulation, among other factors, created the need to organize a coinage center. According to the books of the Royal Treasury of Potosí, the first silver coinage minted at the mint began on March 28, 1574, using the rudimentary technique of hammer minting. From 1617 onwards, the last three digits of the year of minting were added to the inscriptions on the coins as a way of improving the control that existed with the mint mark and the initial of the assayer responsible for the fine-tuning of the silver used. Cerro Rico (Spanish for rich mountain) was an immense silver source in South America’s Andes Mountains. Known as “the mountain that eats men,” due to the harsh working conditions of those mining it in the 17th and 18th centuries, it holds a place of great significance in the history of the Spanish colonial era.
These 8 and 4 Real coins, part of the Cerro Rico Hoard, were struck at the Potosi mint in Bolivia and lost in transit, where it remained uncovered for more than 270 years. While each coin has a unique shape, the front depicts the Pillars of Hercules, representing the Straits of Gibraltar, the mythological gateway to the New World. The back includes the Cross of Jerusalem and the Spanish royal coat of arms. Each coin is is a timeless reminder of the fascinating tales that unfolded during the era of Spanish exploration and empire-building.
Below are several examples of the Cerro Rico coins we have for sale. Click on the images to see larger representations of the coins.
These 8 and 4 Real coins, part of the Cerro Rico Hoard, were struck at the Potosi mint in Bolivia and lost in transit, where it remained uncovered for more than 270 years. While each coin has a unique shape, the front depicts the Pillars of Hercules, representing the Straits of Gibraltar, the mythological gateway to the New World. The back includes the Cross of Jerusalem and the Spanish royal coat of arms. Each coin is is a timeless reminder of the fascinating tales that unfolded during the era of Spanish exploration and empire-building.
Below are several examples of the Cerro Rico coins we have for sale. Click on the images to see larger representations of the coins.
Cerro Rico Hoard - 8 Real Coins Almost Uncirculated (AU) - $750.00 each
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Cerro Rico Hoard - 8 Real Coins - $450.00 each
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Cerro Rico Hoard - 4 Real Coins Uncirculated (UNC) - $650.00 each
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Cerro Rico Hoard - 4 Real Coins Almost Uncirculated (AU) - $550.00 each
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
Cerro Rico Hoard - 8 Real Coins - $375.00 each
Ungraded
Ungraded
8 Reales - 1800-1820 Jean Lafitte Era Land Hoard - $255.00 each
These Spanish 8 Reales are portrait style and highly graded except for some cleaning due to corrosion. The coins came from the Potosi mint in Bolivia, South America. While we haven't been able to determine the exact location of this hoard find. we do have it on account that they were found by a farmer in south Texas near the Matagorda Bay.
All the coins are dated from 1800 to 1820, which were the prime years for Jean Lafitte's pirating adventures; hence we call this the Jean Lafitte Hoard.
All the coins are dated from 1800 to 1820, which were the prime years for Jean Lafitte's pirating adventures; hence we call this the Jean Lafitte Hoard.