This coin ... so much to say. First, mint state 8 reales from the 1700s are not easy to come by. But what is really special is the exact date - 1776! As you read in the famous Red Book, the early colonies did not have hard currency, especially silver coinage. Instead, Spanish colonial 8 reales and silver coins circulated in the colonies. The king of the early dollars (before there were dollars in the US) was the 8 reales (also known as 'pieces of eight'). Now, this one (minted at Potosi Bolivia) is also special due to the assayer - a Mr. "JR" who doesn't show up on many coins. If you are a 1776 collector, this piece is for you. Personally, I love it and would enjoy keeping if I could - a truly special item.