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The Global Insight

Why is it called a piece of eight?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 10, 2026

Pieces of eight were Spanish silver coins (pesos) that circulated along with other hard currency in the American colonies. The Spanish silver coin was so named because it was worth eight reals and at one time had an eight stamped on it. To make change, the coin was cut up to resemble pieces of a pie.

What Spanish coins are silver?

The Spanish dollar, also known as the piece of eight (Spanish: Real de a ocho, Dólar, Peso duro, Peso fuerte or Peso), is a silver coin of approximately 38 mm (1.5 in) diameter worth eight Spanish reales.

How much is a bit worth today?

A bit is 1/8 of a dollar or 12.5 cents.

What is a doubloon worth today?

While most genuine Spanish doubloons are museum pieces, each one was minted as a 7-gram piece of gold, which at today’s rates would sell for about $289. However, various dealers offer pieces from a wide range of dates at prices ranging from $2,500 to $4,500.

What are the 9 pieces of 8?

It’s a Spanish silver coin worth 8 Spanish reales. So the 9 pirates would break the coin (worth 8) into 9 pieces. One piece of the coin for each of the 9 pirates. So basically 9 pieces of a coin worth 8 of it’s face value.

How much is a 1776 proof half dollar worth?

The 1776-1976 S proof half dollar is worth around $4 in PR 65 condition. This coin is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $3.88 as of April 28, 2021. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $26.25 per ounce.

How much is a silver dollar coin worth?

Our guide covers silver dollar coins issued by The United States from 1794 up until 1935. We have information and value data for one dollar coins worth anywhere from $15 to $10,000,000, and just about every price point in between. You will learn how the condition (aka grade) of a coin greatly affects its value and desirability.

What’s the value of a 1976 silver dollar?

The silver melt value for this coin is $4.12 as of May 27, 2021. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $27.88 per ounce. The 1776-1976 S silver half dollar is worth around $8 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS 63. The 1776-1976 S silver proof half dollar is worth around $12 in PR 65 condition.

How much is a 1880s silver dollar worth?

So, if that coin took $5 million, does that mean your old silver dollars from the 1880s or 1890s are worth, say, a tenth of that amount because they’re not quite as old? The older the silver dollar, the more it’s worth— right?