Pieces of Eight
Pieces of eight were Spanish silver coins (pesos) .
The Spanish silver coin was so named because it was worth eight reals and at one time had an eight stamped on it.
To make change, the coin was cut up into eight pie slice shapes which was worth one pesos.
They could also be cut into half or a quarter for 4 or 2 reals.
Each complete coin was one ounce of silver, to day pure silver is worth about £14 or £1.75 for an eighth.