The New World
Closely related to the thalers were the large 8 reales coins ("pieces of eight") struck by the Spanish kings from their new
found wealth in South and Central America. These coins, famous for the fineness of
their silver content, circulated widely both in the New World and in Europe.
Spanish silver 8 reales (1659) of
Philip IV from the Potosà mint, depicting the coat of arms of the Spanish royal family.
Spanish silver 8 reales (1657) of
Philip IV from the Potosà mint, showing the Pillars of Hercules, symbolizing the
exit from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean, and a Latin slogan meaning
"There is more beyond."
Spanish "cob" silver 8 reales (1655)
of Philip IV from the Mexico City mint. To facilitate shipping to Spain, silver bars
were cut and made into irregularly shaped "cob" coins.