Coins and banknotes from the United Kingdom, which is also known as England or Britain, are denominated in the pound sterling (£). The currency code for the pound is GBP (Great British Pound). Since the decimalization of the currency in 1971, the pound has been divided into 100 pence. However, prior to decimalization, the pound was divided into 20 shillings, and each shilling was further divided into 12 pence, making a total of 240 pence to the pound. This made the currency quite complicated to use and understand.
Interestingly, the symbol for the shilling was not derived from the first letter of the word "shilling", but from the Latin word solidus. Similarly, the symbol for the penny was derived from the Latin word denarius. Both solidus and denarius were ancient Roman coins, reflecting the influence of Latin on the development of the English language and its currency.
British coins have featured the effigies (or portraits) of many different monarchs throughout history. Here is a list of some of the monarchs who have been depicted on British coins:
- William III (1694-1702)
- Anne (1702-1714)
- George I (1714-1727)
- George II (1727-1760)
- George III (1760-1820)
- George IV (1820-1830)
- William IV (1830-1837)
- Victoria (1837-1901)
- Edward VII (1901-1910)
- George V (1910-1936)
- Edward VIII (1936) - although he abdicated before any coins bearing his effigy could be circulated
- George VI (1936-1952)
- Elizabeth II (1952-2023)
- Charles III (2023-Present)
