The Spanish Dollar, also known as the piece of eight, was a silver coin used widely in the Spanish Empire from the late 16th century. It was valued at 8 reales and became a standard currency for trade across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Its popularity stemmed from its high silver content and the ease of dividing it into smaller denominations. The Spanish Dollar significantly influenced global commerce and was one of the first coins to be recognized internationally. It eventually led to the creation of the United States Dollar, which adopted its name and some of its characteristics, solidifying its legacy in modern currency systems.