The Evolution of the Dollar, Pound, and Euro Currency Symbols

Linguist Rob Watts of RobWords explored where and how the symbols and names for various currencies originated, noting that each has a rich and varied history. These currencies include the dollar ($), the pound (£), and the Euro (€).

Why is the $ sign an S? What does ‘dollar’ even mean? …I answer both of those questions, while also explaining what the British pound is a pound of, and what the Euro was originally called.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.