Pillar Dollar Tribute – 2 oz Silver Round

Two globes, crowned pillars and the arms of Spain recall a coin that crossed oceans and helped shape American money. Our Pillar Dollar tribute recreates this celebrated eighteenth-century imagery in 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver. Its 39mm diameter and substantial thickness give the intricate heraldry and ocean scene room to stand out.

The World of the Piece of Eight

The Spanish-American eight-real coin became widely known as the Spanish dollar or “piece of eight.” Pillar dollars were struck at Mexico City and other mints in Spain’s American territories, carrying their distinctive designs through international trade. By the founding of the United States, the eight-real coin was one of the world’s most familiar forms of silver money.

Its importance extended well beyond commerce with Spain. The United States based its dollar on the familiar Spanish milled dollar, and foreign silver continued to circulate while the young nation developed its own coinage. The Coinage Act of 1857 ended foreign coins’ legal-tender status in the United States. This tribute recalls that long connection between Spanish-American silver and early American daily life.

Obverse Design – Globes and Pillars

The obverse presents two globes beneath a crown, flanked by crowned pillars rising above waves. The paired globes represent the Old and New Worlds. Ribbon details wrap the pillars, and “VTRAQUE VNUM” arches above. The historic date 1733 and Mexico City-style mintmarks appear below, with small modern weight and purity markings identifying the tribute.

Reverse Design – Royal Arms

A crowned shield displays the Spanish royal arms, surrounded by a Latin royal legend. The numeral 8 recalls the original eight-real denomination, while lettering beside the shield echoes the mint and assayer marks of the historic coinage. Dentils around both faces frame the design. The historical denomination and date are design elements of this modern silver round.

Specifications

• Weight: 2 troy ounces
• Composition: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: Approximately 6mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

A Tribute to Global Silver Trade

The Pillar Dollar brings a recognizable chapter of monetary history to a modern silver collection. Explore more designs in our silver round collection.