Ah! You're a charm! Thanks! (nfm)
Posted by P. Bingham on June 11, 1998 at 15:15:16:
In response to Old British money, written by Linden on June 11, 1998 at 04:13:52
] 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
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