The
Meaning
of
Pound
Sterling Pound
Sterling,
also
known
as
the
British
pound,
is
the
official
currency
of
the
United
Kingdom.
It
is
one
of
the
oldest
and
most
valuable
currencies
in
the
world,
with
a
rich
history
and
a
unique
design. The
word
"pound"
derives
from
the
Latin
word
"pondus,"
which
means
weight.
In
ancient
times,
people
used
to
trade
goods
by
weight,
so
the
pound
was
a
natural
unit
of
measurement.
The
first
English
currency
called
the
pound
was
introduced
in
the
late
8th
century
by
King
Offa
of
Mercia.
It
was
made
of
silver
and
weighed
one
pound,
hence
the
name. The
term
"sterling"
originates
from
the
Old
Norman
French
word
"esterlin,"
which
referred
to
a
little
star
or
a
coin
with
a
star
on
it.
The
first
coins
with
the
Sterling
mark
were
minted
in
England
in
the
13th
c〔浏览更多 十二星座的月份表知识文章请关注 :聊星座网,WwW.liaOxiNgzUo.CC〕entury
and
were
known
for
their
high
level
of
purity
and
quality. The
pound
sterling
has
undergone
many
changes
throughout
history.
In
1694,
the
Bank
of
England
was
established
as
the
central
bank
and
began
to
issue
banknotes.
During
World
War
I,
the
gold
standard
was
abandoned,
and
the
pound
was
devalued.
In
1971,
the
pound
was
decimalized,
and
the
new
currency
system
was
introduced
that
we
still
use
today. The
design
of
the
pound
has
remained
relatively
consistent
over
the
years,
featuring
the
profile
of
the
reigning
monarch
on
the
front
and
various
national
symbols
on
the
back.
The
reverse
of
the
coin
currently
in
circulation
features
the
Royal
Arms,
which
represents
the
unity
of
the
four
countries
of
the
United
Kingdom. In
conclusion,
the
English
pound
sterling
is
a
unique
and
historic
currency.
Its
name
reflects
its
weight
and
purity,
as
well
as
its
association
with
a
star.
Despite
the
changes
it
has
undergone,
the
pound
continues
to
hold
significant
value
and
plays
a
critical
role
in
the
British
economy.