The History and Usage of Old British Money: Understanding the 'd' in D-Shillings

When discussing the history of British currency, one often encounters the symbol 'd', which stands for pennies or pence. This article delves into the etymology and usage of this symbol, tracing its origin and evolution in the British monetary system.

Introduction to the Pre-Decimal System

The pre-decimal system of British money was quite intricate, with numerous sub-units and denominations. The basic units were:

1 Pound (￡) 20 Shillings (s) 1 Shilling (s) 12 Pence (d)

This system, known as the '￡s d' or 'Lsd' system, can be traced back to the Latin currency denominations of 'librae', 'solidi', and 'denarii'. The term 'd' here stands for 'denarius', a Latin term for the smallest unit of currency.

Etymology and Historical Context

The use of the 'd' symbol in the pre-decimal British currency system is deeply rooted in historical and linguistic contexts. Let us explore its etymology and historical significance:

Librae, Solidi, and Denarii

The pre-decimal system was based on a division similar to the Roman currency system, where:

1 Librae 20 Solidi 1 Solidus 12 Denarii

This system was adapted to the English monetary system, where:

1 Pound (￡) 20 Shillings (s) 1 Shilling (s) 12 Pence (d)

The Roman division of currency held that 240 denarii equaled one libra, which is why there were 240 pence in one pound in the old British system.

The Symbol 'd'

The letter 'd' in the context of '￡s d' stood for 'pence', which is the abbreviated form of 'penny'. This usage can be traced back to historical and linguistic roots. The British word 'pound' can also refer to weight or to money, much like its French counterpart 'poids'. In essence, the symbol 'd' was part of a tradition that used Latin terms to denote units of currency.

Decentralization and Decimalization

The shift from the pre-decimal system to the decimal system in British currency was a significant change, influenced by the need for a more straightforward and internationally comparable system. The introduction of decimal currency in 1971 meant that the pound (￡) was now divided into 100 pence (p).

The transition from the old system to the decimal system meant that:

1 Pound (￡) 100 Pence (p) 1 Pound (￡) 20 Old Shillings (s) 1 Old Shilling (s) 12 Old Pence (d)

This change simplified the monetary system, allowing for easier computation and management of currency. However, it meant that many people had to adjust to new denominations and calculations.

Conclusion

The usage of the symbol 'd' in the context of British currency symbolizes historical and cultural roots deeply embedded in the English language and monetary systems. Understanding this system not only enriches our knowledge of British history but also provides insight into the complexities of monetary systems throughout time.

Through exploring the etymology and historical context, we can appreciate the significance of the 'd' in 'Chelsea and D' and the broader implications of the movement from the pre-decimal to the decimal system.