Old British money
Posted by Linden on June 11, 1998 at 04:13:52:
In response to Help needed on cost terms, written by P. Bingham on June 11, 1998 at 03:18:34
The pound was divided into 20 shillings. Each shilling was divided into twelve pence (singular: one penny).
] silk stockings with cotton feet, 7/6 a pair.
Seven shillings and six pence
Alliballies, 5/- a yard (now that one I really have absolutely no idea what 5/- means!).
Five shillings (no pennies) Now I want to know what Alliballies are.
] The purchasing power of the sterling was equivalent, in terms of today's value:
] in 1800 to 3 pounds 17s. 0d.
Three pounds, 17 shillings, No pence.
] Oh, and what does 0d mean?
No pence/pennies
Just to complicate matters, there were coins like:
a groat: (four pence)
a guinea (one pound, one shilling)
half a crown (two shillings and sixpence: a crown was worth five shillings, but there wasn't usually a coin for it)
a florin (two shillings)
The British were worried when they went over to decimal currency: they thought the old system was easier :->
Mind you, we non-Americans have a bit of trouble with nickels and dimes.
Hope this helps
Linden
- New Pence Barbara 02:00:23 7/18/98
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- Ah! You're a charm! Thanks! (nfm) P. Bingham 15:15:16 6/11/98
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