The pirate's parrot knew all about 'pieces of eight', but an authoritative reference book to the coins that kept the Spanish Empire running has been lacking. This book fills that gap.-- over two thousand photos with coins catalogued by mint, king, denomination, mint assayer and type-- discussions of, and examples from, all ten early Spanish mints from Cuba to Peru-- the author's expertise in international affairs provides the historical background essential to understanding 250 years of Spanish historyCobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins has been designed to be of particular use to collectors and divers. It will also be of interest to historians of the Spanish involvement in the Americas.