The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SHILLINGS
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More clues leading to the result SHILLINGS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "pieces, historically" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pieces, historically = shillings.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SHILLINGS mean?
SHILLINGS noun- A coin formerly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and many other Commonwealth countries.
- The currency of Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.
- A currency in the United States, differing in value between states.
- (New York and some other states) The Spanish real, formerly having the value of one eighth of a dollar.