The Spanish Dollar – Currency of U.S. Independence. 250 Years

Discover Spain’s new coin collection marking 250 years of U.S. Independence—and the story behind the Spanish Dollar On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, the Instituto Cervantes in New York will present on April 8 the coin collection “250th Anniversary. Spain and the Independence of the United States,” issued by the Royal Mint of Spain. The event highlights the fundamental role of the Real de a Ocho, the Spanish coin that circulated widely throughout the Thirteen Colonies and that, after the adoption of the dollar in 1785, continued to be used for decades. This Hispanic coin —the origin of the “$” symbol— remained part of the country’s economic life until it was banned in 1857, and it still held relevance during the Civil War, when Spanish silver backed banknotes issued by private banks. The program will feature Isabel Valldecabres (President–Director General of the Royal Mint of Spain), who will present the commemorative issue; Enrique Torres Piñeyro, Vice Admiral–Director of the Institute of Naval History and Culture; Ricardo A. Fernández González (Director of MUCAIN); and David J. Ryder, former Director of the United States Mint, who will join the conversation. Together, they will discuss the historical and symbolic influence of the Real de a Ocho as the true “Currency of Independence.” The event will conclude with a Spanish wine reception.