Choosing The Best Shipwreck or Buried Pirate Piece of Eight

Yep, this one can be a bit confusing, because, well, these amazing artifacts just aren't round. The king didn't care about the shape, just the weight and purity. But, there are some general "Rules of Thumb" (and the picture guide above doesn't hurt either).

FIRST, each pendant has a "Your Treasure Coin" section with the details of each coin. AT THE BOTTOM of this is a PENDANT SIZE INCLUDING BEZEL (FRAME) with measurements in inches and a comparison to a US coin. The size is for the entire pendant, including the bezel. Above that, just above the ADD TO CART button on the upper right is a SIZE GUIDE for coin size and chain length. There is even a millimeter conversion for our metric treasure fans!

As for what size is good for a Pirate Queen or King? Actually, we have found all sizes are unisex. Some guys like wearing a smaller 1/2 or 1 reale (sometimes hung with another small pendant on the same chain), and we have plenty of ladies who like to rock the silver dollar sized "Key West Dog Tag" 8 reale. 

No matter what size you choose, you are bound to get attention when you sidle up (yes, it's sidle) or "belly up" to an oyster bar like us old time treasure hunters do after a long day of treasure diving!

REMEMBER, THE SIZE BELOW INCLUDES THE BEZEL, SO ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS USE YOUR POCKET CHANGE AS A SIZE GUIDE - ALWAYS SEE THE SIZE OF EACH PENDANT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COIN DETAILS ON EACH LISTING:

• 1/2 Reales range from dime size to almost nickel size.
• 1 Reales range from nickel to quarter size.
• 2 Reales are generally quarter size, or a bit wider.
• 4 Reales are basically the size of a 50 cent piece, sometimes a bit smaller.
• 8 Reales are the big, statement pieces and, depending on the amount of sea wear and where they were minted, range from a 50 cent piece size the to the size of a silver dollar. (In fact, the U.S. silver dollar was based on the Spanish 8 Reale! That's why the 2's and 4's are the size of US coins.)

Don't forget, each piece of treasure on our site has a measurement... because some coins are thicker than others, their size varies a bit!

Just use a corresponding U.S. coin, and hold it up to where you want your pendant to fall on your chest, and you will get a really good idea of the size. 

View our entire collection of Spanish Shipwreck & Buried Treasure Coin Jewelry here>>>

And, as always, if you would like to talk treasure, hit us up on Live Chat, or call 503.436.1626, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com. We can even jump on Skype or Facetime if you'd like to get up close and personal with your prospective Piece of Eight!