Speaking of money

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 87595

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Iggy McSnurd" 
<CoyotesChild at c...> wrote:

Iggy: 
> Can someone name the different levels of British currency and how 
they
> relate to each other?  (Using the pound as a base...)
> 

Geoff:
Since we went decimal in February 1971, it's been a lot easier and 
less interesting.

Basically, a pound is divided into 100 pence. Coins are either copper 
or silver (not really silver but that's the colour - I'm not sure 
whether they're cupro-nickel). Pound coins and above are a sort of 
gold colour and are thicker and heavier than lower values.

Copper coins = 1p and 2p (approx diameters - 20mm, 25mm respectively)

Silver coins = 5p, 10p 20p and 50p The two latter are unusual in that 
they are seven sided with a slight curve on each side. I have heard 
them referred to as equilateral heptagons, which to me as a Maths 
teacher doesn't sound right. (Approx. diameters - 18mm, 24mm, 21mm 
and 27mm respectively)

Pound coins = £1 and £2 (£1 = approx. 22mm. I haven't got a £2 coin 
to hand)

Notes: £5, £10, £20 £50 in common circulation, higher denominations 
also available)

£5 and £10 notes often called fivers and tenners but many nicknames 
disappeared in 1971 - boring isn't it?

Interesting thought comparing with the Wizarding World, they don't 
appear to have notes do they? Just the three basic coins. the 
derivation of their names might be an interesting topic to pursue. 
Knut is a Scandinian naem - reminds me of our historical King Canute 
who tried to stop the tide.....