The enduring legacy of the UK shilling coin: Why is it called "Bob"??

Im on a quest, come with me should you choose, or just tag along by following my new series of blogs I have planned. The aim of this series is to unravel the enigmatic origins behind the familiar nicknames of some of the most loved and cherished UK pre-decimal coins(pre-15th Feb, 1971).

Like old companions, these coins carry monikers that echo through time, beckoning us to uncover their secrets buried in history's depths.

From its inception during the reign of King Henry VII in the 16th century, the UK Shilling has stood as a symbol of economic stability and national identity. Originally minted in precious silver, the shilling was a cornerstone of the British monetary system for generations, its value woven into the fabric of daily life.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the shilling's history is its transition during the UK's decimalisation process in 1971. Prior to this monumental change, the shilling was part of the pre-decimal currency system, alongside coins like the farthing, penny, and florin. Decimalisation marked a new chapter in Britain's monetary landscape, heralding the end of an era for the shilling as it made way for the introduction of the decimal penny.

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Despite its eventual discontinuation from circulation, the shilling lives on in the collective memory of the British people, immortalised by its famous nickname - 'bob'. However, another intriguing possibility emerges from the realm of church bells, where 'bob' was once synonymous with a sequence of ringing changes. Could it be that the etymology of 'bob' finds resonance in the very essence of the word 'shilling', derived from the ancient 'skell' of proto-Germanic descent, meaning 'ring'? Yet, the genesis of this endearing title remains shrouded in mystery, teasing the curious minds of numismatists. One theory traces its lineage to the esteemed statesman, Sir Robert Walpole, credited with a landmark reduction in land tax to a mere shilling per pound.

What ever the origin of its affectionate nickname, the "Bob", is a great coin to begin collecting, not only as a gateway to precious metals, but as a means of discovering more about the history of this fantastic coin

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40+yr old, trying to shift a few pounds and sharing his efforsts on the blockchain. Come find me on STRAVA or actifit, and we can keep each other motivated .

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