Spanish colonial real

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The real was the currency of Spain's colonies in the Americas. Coins were produced at mints in Mexico City, Nueva Guatemala, Bogotá, Popayán, Caracas, Lima, Potosí and Santiago. The real was equal to the Spanish real de plata. Gold escudos (worth 16 reales) were also issued. The real was replaced in most newly independent states by currencies also denominated in reales and escudos.

The coins circulated throughout Spain's colonies and beyond, with the eight real piece (also known as the Spanish dollar) becoming an international standard and spawning, among other currencies, the United States dollar.