The Spanish dollar: A piece of monetary history, a legacy of global trade.

Marking our first collaboration with the Royal Spanish Mint (FNMT-RCM), this two-coin set celebrates one of the most storied pieces in numismatic history: the Spanish dollar or 8 Reales (“Real de a Ocho”).

From the late 15^th to the mid-19^th century, Spanish silver dollars circulated across oceans and continents, linking empires and underwriting systems of commerce, and even becoming part of pirate lore. Uniform in weight and purity, the eight-real coin was the world’s first global currency—a coin so trusted, it was widely used by traders, merchants and settlers in what is now Canada, where it helped shape our monetary system.

Often bearing the Pillars of Hercules on its reverse, the Spanish dollar’s history and legacy are carried forward here in this two-piece set—as a Canadian .9999 fine silver coin, and a Spanish .999 fine silver coin—linking one of history’s defining currencies to the modern minting standards it helped establish.

A two-nation tribute to the silver coin that travelled the world.

Good to know

One of the most consequential coins in monetary history. Own this modern-day tribute to the Spanish dollar or 8 Reales, a silver coin that emerged as the world’s first truly global currency.

The first joint set from the Royal Canadian Mint and the Royal Spanish Mint. This set consists of two 1 oz. silver coins: one from the Royal Canadian Mint, and one from the Royal Spanish Mint, marking a first collaboration between the two national mints.

Different versions. Each piece features a different historic reverse: the Spanish coin is an homage to the columnarios minted between 1732 and 1773, while the Canadian one is a representation of a later “pillar” dollar originally struck in Mexico.

Modern purity standards. The Spanish coin is .999 fine silver and the Canadian one is .9999, in keeping with customary specifications for each mint’s collector coins.

History brought to life. This two-coin offering is a unique collecting opportunity that will appeal to history enthusiasts and collectors of world coins.

Exclusively available as a set. These coins are only available as part of this set—they are not sold separately.

Limited numbers. Only 6,500 sets are available to collectors worldwide.

Includes serialized certificate. A joint certificate of authenticity from both mints is included with your set.

Did you know?

The origin of the dollar “$” sign is debated, but it may have evolved from the ribbon-wrapped Pillars of Hercules twice depicted in this joint set. In classical mythology, the Pillars of Hercules marked the western boundary of the known world, now known as the Strait of Gibraltar.

Eight-real coins were frequently cut into halves or wedges to make everyday change, and each pie-shaped fragment was known as a “bit”—hence the name “pieces of eight,” as the Spanish dollar was popularly known, and the expression “two bits” for a quarter of a dollar.

Behind closed doors

"Born of a unique collaboration between the Royal Canadian Mint and the FNMT–RCM, this coin set tells the story of a shared monetary heritage. The Spanish real de a ocho circulated across continents and played a vital role in the early economic life of the Americas, including Canada. These coins pay tribute to that global legacy and to the enduring connections forged through trade, trust, and craftsmanship."

– Ms. Isabel Valldecabres, President and CEO of the Royal Spanish Mint - Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de la Moneda

About the design

Individually encapsulated, your two coins are presented in a custom black clamshell case, and packaged in a black beauty box bearing the logos of the Royal Canadian Mint and the Royal Spanish Mint.

2026 $20 Fine Silver Coin – Pillar Dollar

The reverse is a representation of a Spanish 8 Reales coin struck in 1779. It features the crowned shield of the Spanish royal arms, flanked by the Pillars of Hercules with the motto “PLUS ULTRA” (“further beyond”). The legend reads “HISPAN ET IND REX:” (“King of Spain and the Indies”) and includes the Mexico City mint mark (“Mo”), the denomination “8 R” (for “8 Reales”), and the assayer’s initials “F F”. The modern obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

2026 10 Euro 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin – Real de a Ocho

The reverse depicts a "Real de a Ocho" minted in Mexico in 1737 and of the "columnar" type, so named for the two Pillars of Hercules flanking the globes—a symbol of Spanish dominion over both hemispheres. Above the pillars is the motto "PLUS ULTRA" ("further beyond"), and around it the inscription "VTRAQUE VNUM," alluding to the union of the Old and New Worlds under the Spanish Crown. The modern obverse shows the effigy of the King of Spain, Felipe VI.

By placing an order, customers acknowledge and agree that if a product is out of stock after an order has been placed and payment has been processed, the order for that product will be cancelled and a refund will be issued; no substitute product will be provided. Some items may not be exactly as shown. Items available while quantities last. Canada Post reserves the right to limit purchase quantities on certain items. © 2026 Royal Canadian Mint. All rights reserved.

Product # 246270

Fine Silver Two-Coin Set - History of Canadian Currencies: The Spanish Dollar (2026)