© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
2 Reales - Philip II Seville
| Silver (.931) | 6.8 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Spain |
|---|---|
| King | Philip II (1556-1598) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1588-1598 (1566-1598) |
| Value | 2 Reales |
| Currency | Real (1497-1833) |
| Composition | Silver (.931) |
| Weight | 6.8 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#45073 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Castles and lions in angles of cross
Script: Latin
Lettering: HISPANIARVM·REX
Interesting fact
The 2 Reales coin from Philip II's reign was used as a standard unit of currency in Spain and its colonies, and it was also widely used in international trade. It was known as the "Piece of Eight" because it was divided into eight smaller units, each called a "bit." This coin was so widely used that it became a standard unit of currency in many parts of the world, and it was even used as a reference point for other currencies. For example, the US dollar was initially based on the value of the Spanish dollar, which was itself based on the 2 Reales coin.
