Product Description
Minted under far-reaching Spanish rule, these silver coins were widely accepted as the first international currency and remained legal tender in the U.S. until the passage of the Coinage Act of 1857. The first United States silver dollar was based upon the Spanish eight reales, or "eight bit" coin. Smaller denominations, or "bits" were also in circulation; this one real or "one bit" coin held the value of 1/8 of a dollar or 12 ½ cents. Still clearly visible, a bust of varying Spanish kings from the House of Bourbon appears on the specimen's obverse with the Royal crest reverse. Guaranteed Very Good to Fine quality. Our choice of 1772-1825 date.