Talk:Scottish coinage

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[edit] "The term “Sterling” originates not in England, but with the city of Stirling"?

Not sure about that! The Sterling article has what would appear to be a more plausible etymology:

"The word sterling is from the Old French esterlin transformed in stiere in Old English (strong, firm, immovable)."

--Mais oui! 05:51, 5 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Better Explanation

I have never heard this explanation or the French explanation. Other dubious etymologies include the use of a star, or starling on early coins. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling_silver for a better explanation, that of the "Easterling" Also, see A New History of the Royal Mint (Hardcover) by C. E. Challis (Editor) for a more authoritative treatment.

[edit] Billion?

Could somebody please explain what the word "billion" means in the context of coinage? Is it supposed to be "bullion"? Cbdorsett 13:45, 19 November 2006 (UTC)