PIECES OF EIGHT Meaning and
Definition
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Pieces of Eight refers to Spanish silver coins that were widely used during the colonial era, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. The term "pieces of eight" specifically denotes the value of these coins, as each coin was worth eight Spanish reales. The coins were also known as "pesos de ocho" or "Spanish dollars."
These coins were minted from silver obtained from colonies in the New World, including Mexico and Peru, and were stamped with various markings to indicate their authenticity and origin. The obverse side of the coin typically featured the reigning Spanish monarch's bust, while the reverse depicted the Spanish coat of arms or the royal crest.
Pieces of Eight gained significant popularity as a medium of exchange due to their consistent silver content and widespread acceptance across different regions. They were widely used in trade and commerce, appearing in vast numbers across the Spanish Empire, including North and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
The association of Pieces of Eight with pirates and treasure chests can be attributed to their prominence during the Golden Age of Piracy in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Pirates, such as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, often plundered Spanish galleons carrying large quantities of these coins. The phrase "pieces of eight" has therefore become somewhat synonymous with pirate treasure in popular culture and literature.
Common Misspellings for PIECES OF EIGHT
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