Definition:Sterling/Shilling

From ProofWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Definition

The shilling is an obsolete unit of the Sterling monetary system.


Symbol

The symbol for the shilling is $\shillings$

Note that the $.$ is part of that symbol.


\(\ds \) \(\) \(\ds 1\) shilling
\(\ds \) \(=\) \(\ds \frac 1 {20}\) pound sterling
\(\ds \) \(=\) \(\ds 12\) (old) pence
\(\ds \) \(=\) \(\ds 5\) (new) pence


Historical Note

The shilling descends from the Roman solidus, defined as the purchasing power of $\dfrac 1 {20}$ of a troy pound (in weight) of silver.

The shilling was discontinued in $1971$ when the UK coinage system was decimalized.

It was replaced by a coin of the same value, size, shape and material, called the $5 \mathrm p$ piece.