Can someone identify this semi dark side coin

Julien · September 24, 2005 1:28PM

Found this in my safety deposit box. Have had for many years and not sure where I got it. I'm guessing it is a Spanish dollar type used in the new world (and colonies) in the mid to late18th century. Could someone give me a little history lesson on it and does it have any value (can I ebay it for about a $1,000,000

)?

DickyBetz · September 24, 2005 1:32PM

I sold one of those on ebay for $80 in VF a few months ago.

lordmarcovan · September 24, 2005 1:32PM

<< I'm guessing it is a Spanish dollar type used in the new world (and colonies) in the mid to late18th century >>

Correct. A Spanish Milled dollar. (Or Pillar type 8-reales piece, i.e. "Piece of Eight", as the pirates called 'em).

This is one of the most historical and legendary coins of the world.

As to the history lesson, it used to be the first coin pictured in the Redbook!

It is the grandaddy of our own dollar.

See how the ribbon wraps around the pillar? Some folks say that is the origin of the dollar symbol: $.

That might be a numismatic urban legend, but it's convincing to me. Look at the right-hand pillar on your coin.

Julien · September 24, 2005 1:57PM

<< 

<< I'm guessing it is a Spanish dollar type used in the new world (and colonies) in the mid to late18th century >>

....As to the history lesson, it used to be the first coin pictured in the Redbook!
... >>

Thanks,
I know it looked real familiar and my off hand memory was heading in the right direction for once.

Just pulled out an old Red Book and there it is.

cladking · September 24, 2005 2:14PM

The M with the o over it is the Mexico City mint.

Weiss · September 25, 2005 12:39AM

Neat, LordMarcovan. I'd never heard the $ symbol legend before.

billboat · September 25, 2005 3:52AM

Pillar dollar--first coin in the RedBook--great find--glad you rediscovered it.

cladking · September 25, 2005 4:30AM

These, of course, circulated widely in this country right up through the middle of the 19th century.

These "pieces of eight" (8 reales) were also cut up into parts for small change with 2 bits (two pieces) equaling a quarter.

Danegeld · September 25, 2005 5:20AM

I like it. Here is a fake one I have. I received this one in an eBay auction and have filed a postal fraud investigation with the seller. The correct weight is a little over 27 grams. Mine is WAY below that, 23 grams. Look at the scalloping on the edge. It should go 1/2 around the coin one way andf 1/2 going the other way.

Take Care
Ben

Dennis88 · September 25, 2005 5:25AM

Dollar sign

Stuart · September 25, 2005 5:31AM

<< See how the ribbon wraps around the pillar? Some folks say that is the origin of the dollar symbol: $. >>

Rob: As Jed Clampett would say: "Whaaaaale Doggies" you can learn something new every day!!

lordmarcovan · September 25, 2005 11:14AM

It's an interesting and lesser-known factoid, fer sure.

Julien · September 25, 2005 11:16AM

Does anyone know the metallic content and will PCGS grade it?

lordmarcovan · September 25, 2005 11:21AM

It's .903 silver, I believe. I forget the bullion weight.

Yes, PCGS will grade them. I have a nice later (portrait-type) 8-reales piece in an ANACS holder, even.

Danegeld · September 25, 2005 11:34AM

lordmarcovan · September 25, 2005 12:07PM

Speechless, Danegeld? Hit the "Reply" button too soon?

G'head- tell him.

He thinks yours is a fake, Julien.

Here he points out similarities between his fake 1760 and your 1760. Brings up some interesting points, actually.

Julien · September 25, 2005 12:16PM

<< Speechless, Danegeld? Hit the "Reply" button too soon?

G'head- tell him.

He thinks yours is a fake, Julien.

Here he points out similarities between his fake 1760 and your 1760. Brings up some interesting points, actually. >>

I know it does not mean anything but I have had mine for at least 20 years.

Danegeld · September 25, 2005 12:25PM

<< 

<< Speechless, Danegeld? Hit the "Reply" button too soon?

G'head- tell him.

He thinks yours is a fake, Julien.

Here he points out similarities between his fake 1760 and your 1760. Brings up some interesting points, actually. >>

I know it does not mean anything but I have had mine for at least 20 years. >>

I'm afraid these pieces were made in the 1950's and 1960's by the thousands during the "Leave It To Beaver", "Lance Link", and "Davey Crockett" years. Walt Disney had the USA enthralled with Pirates and Talking Parrots, "Long John Silver, etc." and there were (pieces of eight) with every Arrgh, me matey 'Treasure Island" record album and in every box of Rice Krispies...

Ben

lordmarcovan · September 25, 2005 12:27PM

Yep.

But most are more blatant fakes. Yours, Danegeld, is even better than a lot of them out there.

Danegeld · September 25, 2005 12:30PM

<< Yep.

But most are more blatant fakes. Yours, Danegeld, is even better than a lot of them out there. >>

Lord, "YOU" like to stir the pot...

Ben

lordmarcovan · September 25, 2005 12:32PM

Exsqueeze me?

Julien · September 25, 2005 12:37PM

Well at least I only paid $296,785.73 for it.

Danegeld · September 25, 2005 12:40PM

<< Exsqueeze me? >>

Nerp, No way jose'... I'll ask you a quick question though. How much does a 1/2 milled dollar/4 Reale weigh give or take a few grains?

Ben

Danegeld · September 25, 2005 12:45PM

OK, Julian, you coin looks like an exact copy of mine, which has been certified as a fake (24 grams.) They both have the same marks and die cracks. Look beside the 'Left Pillar" next to the crown. They are exact in their damage.... That is another similarity.

I hate to say it, but whoever put the coin in the safe deopsit bos put a cheat in there...

Ben

Can someone identify this semi dark side coin

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