Definition:Sterling/Shilling

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.