1. Gold Coins: The most valuable currency was gold, with the sovereign being the most common coin.
- Sovereign: Worth £1 (one pound).
- Half-Sovereign: Worth £0.50 (half a pound).
- Other gold coins: Guinea (worth 21 shillings), Half-Guinea (worth 10.5 shillings).
2. Silver Coins: Silver was used for smaller denominations.
- Crown: Worth 5 shillings.
- Half-Crown: Worth 2.5 shillings.
- Florin: Worth 2 shillings.
- Shilling: Worth 12 pence.
- Sixpence: Worth 6 pence.
3. Copper Coins: The lowest denomination coins were made of copper.
- Penny: Worth 1 penny.
- Halfpenny: Worth 0.5 pence (half a penny).
- Farthing: Worth 0.25 pence (a quarter of a penny).
Additional Notes:
* Pounds, shillings, and pence: The monetary system was based on pounds (£), shillings (s) and pence (d). There were 20 shillings to a pound and 12 pence to a shilling.
* Banknotes: Paper money was also in use, issued by banks. These were more commonly used for larger transactions.
* The "Dickensian Economy": It's important to remember that the value of money during Dickens' time was far higher than today. A skilled worker might earn a few pounds per week, while a pauper might struggle to make a few shillings. The gap between the wealthy and the poor was enormous.
* The Decimal System: The current system of decimal pounds and pence, with 100 pence to the pound, was only introduced in 1971.
Let me know if you'd like more information about money in Victorian England!