> I never did get a grip on the thruppence, farthings, bob, 
> sovereigns, guineas, and so on which infest what we call "English 
> Literature".

Ah - I'd forgotten "bob".
Bob = shilling = 12 pence = 10 cents latterly.
Two bob = 2 shilling piece.

Didn't usually get used other than that AFAIR although perhaps "For 
thirty Bob I'd sell you ..." may have been used.

Guinea was usually the preserve of the professionals and/or people 
trying to put on side. (1 pound 1 shilling = 21 shillings AFAIR)

2 farthings = 1 halfpenny (haypenny / ha'penny)
4 farthings = 1 penny
3 pennies = thruppence.
6 pennies = sixpence (= 1 tanner?)
12 pennies = 1 shilling.
2 shillings and sixpence = half a crown.
5 shillings = 1 crown.
20 shillings = 1 pound
21 shillings = 1 guinea

Sovereign was large and I recall not what relationship it had.
Part of my brain said it really effectively means "large" and depends 
on what its made of.

Crowns were never standard fare here afair.

LSD = pounds shillings and pence.

eg 4 - 6s - 2 1/2 d


        Russell
.

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