The symbols 's' for shilling and 'd' for pence derive from the Latin solidus and denarius used in the Middle Ages. pocket change of 13 shillings 4 pence? 7736 = $4.35 the value of an English pound in 1850. In 1969 pre-decimal currency was in use that dated back to roman times. 10.5.6 would denote ten pounds, five shillings, and sixpence. The guinea coin was a legal tender and the major form of currency in Great Britain between 1663 to 1816, although it was still accepted as a legal tender until 1971. This means that the auctioneer gets a commission from the cost in guinea coins, which is around 5% of the selling bid of the item or horse. The guinea was so called because it was originally made from African gold. The extra 2 is taken by the auctioneer as his commission. The guinea was so called because it was originally made from African gold. (People with jars of pennies laughed all the way to the bank.) The Guinea Coin was called such because the gold used in the coin was mined in the Guinea region of Africa. An old shilling is Send it to the author. She now teaches computers atThe Granville SchoolandSt. John's Primary Schoolin SevenoaksKent. Results are displayed in new money, down to the (decimal) How many guineas are a pound? You ever think of looking in the dictionary, Audrey? Evaluate Your Coin with Confidence! To answer these questions the Historical Currency Converter uses a short-cut, by comparing the worth of various sums in various currencies in their purchasing power of . It was established in an effort to put the UK economy back on track after the Napoleonic War.