The first legal tender silver dollar in the United States was actually minted in Mexico City, not in the United States.

"Piece of Eight" is a common nickname for the Eight Reales.

These coins played an important role in American history.

The Eight Reales is the largest and heaviest silver coin minted in over 200 years, even larger and heavier than the famous Morgan silver dollar.

These coins were minted between 1772 and 1826, marking the beginning of silver coinage in America.

The scrolls on the back of the Eight Reales are the origin of the US dollar sign.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson named it "America's first silver dollar" after the American colonies used it to finance their Revolutionary War.