Pieces of Eight describes the development, and defines the basic elements, of the constitutional systems of money and banking that the Founding Fathers created–the “original intent” that, because the Constitution has never been amended in these particulars, remains the law today.

Next, it details the devolution of this system into the present mishmash of monetary lawlessness–what happened, when, why, at whose hands, and for whose benefit.

Throughout, Pieces of Eight delegitimates this developing corruption with incisive critiques of the statutes, executive actions, and especially judicial decisions that turned the constitutional systems of money and banking upside down.

Finally, even while candidly delineating the difficulties that stand in the way of restoring constitutional standards, it outlines possible reforms at both the national and State levels.

• Authoritative:
Written by one of this country's foremost experts on the constitutional law and history of money and banking.
• Unique:
The most comprehensive and definitive study on the legal history of the United States coinage, paper currency, legal tender, and political banking from the Colonial period to the present day. No other single reference work competes or compares with it.
• Encyclopaedic:
Two volumes–a 15-page Table of Contents–1,666 pages of text–6,601 footnotes documenting and supporting the author's analysis in every particular–a 54-page index of citations to constitutional provisions, statutes, legislative records, judicial decisions, treatises, reference works, and other authorities–9 illustrations.
• Of Outstanding Quality:
Designed for a lifetime of intensive use, with extra-strong Smyth-sewn binding–attractive navy blue Kyvar hard covers with silver-foil stamping–the text printed on 50-pound “natural” tone paper to reduce eyestrain.
• Necessary:
For legal practitioners who represent clients in “money issue” and related cases, for researchers and students of the historical and legal bases and development of America's systems of money and banking, and for everyone concerned with the state of this country's currency.
• A Challenge and a Resource:
If you cannot answer the questions in the TEST, you must read Pieces of Eight. Even if you think you can answer them, you ought to read Pieces of Eight to obtain the detailed corroboration you will need to prove and defend your beliefs.