The word stiver is derived from the Dutch Stuiver. It was a currency denomination in use in Ceylon from 1801 until 1821. It was also a denomination that formed part of the currency system of Demerara-Essequibo (later British Guiana, now Guyana).
The currency was also mentioned in the famous poem by Robert Browning, The Pied Piper of Hamelin: "With you, don't think I'll bate [debate concerning] a stiver! And folks who put me in a passion may find me pipe after another fashion."