Spanish 8 Reale - Authentic or replica?

[Darrell_F]

Found this on the beach on Hutchinson Island, Florida this morning and just finished cleaning it. This area is called the 'Treasure Coast' because of the wrecks of the 1715 Spanish treasure ships just off shore. Many Spanish coins are found here so it would not be a total surprise if this were authentic. The loop on the cob has me wondering what I have. It would be quite a coincidence if someone lost a replica on one of the treasure beaches where the real ones are found; but I can't imagine that a real one would have the loop on it.

http://darrell-f.smugmug.com/photos/515984698_7fhqV-L.jpg

Any ideas?

Darrell_F

 

[GRAY GHOST]

n/t

 

[ronaldj2]

My opinion says the same as Gray Ghost. On the right track with the loop and all. Although some people way back when may have used it as a charm, it probably would have had a hole punched in it.