2 bits

During the colonial days, people used coins from all over the world. The most commonly used coin was the Spanish milled dollar. When our nation adopted an official currency, the Spanish Milled Dollar was chosen, and it later became the model for American silver dollars.

The Spanish milled dollars were easily cut apart into equal "bits" of 8 pieces. One "bit" would be equal to 1/8 of a dollar, and 2 bits would equal 2/8 (or 1/4 - a quarter of a dollar). So, it is easy to see why the coins were called "pieces of eight", and "2 bits" was commonly used to refer to 25 cents.


I recently reviewed my 50 states quarter^® collection and noticed that I am lacking South Dakota, which was released November 6, 2006. Now, I realize that it takes a while for the Wells Fargo stage coach to make the delivery to Utah. (Right now, it is said to be somewhere between Pierre and Rapid City.) On the plus side, it has been stated the missionaries that serve there are on a higher “spiritual” plane than those who serve outside the states.

I am giving my spiritual niece an assignment. Since she has ties to the fair state of South Dakota, perhaps she could be on the look-out for their quarter and get me one for my 50 state collection.


And since her mother is from Montana, perhaps she can be on the look-out for that quarter which is due to be released in two days.

That’s my two bits worth for today.