Tourist's Guide to British Money

(Take it with you when you go)

A PENNY is worth about one cent in U. S. currency, but is about twice as big. Twelve English pennies make a shilling. The rate of exchange is highly favorable today. You can actually spend two grand weeks in Britain for under $200.

SIXPENCE. The silver sixpence is the equivalent of 7c and a delightful little coin it is. The slang word for sixpence is “tanner.” Traveling by rail in Britain can cost less than 3c a mile. And bus travel works out at about 2c a mile.

SHILLING. Equal to 14c (Slang: a “bob.”) twenty-one shillings make a “guinea,” which is so aristocratic that there isn’t a coin or banknote for it at all. You can do a lot with one shilling—see the Crown Jewels, or visit Hampton Court.

FLORIN. A two-shilling piece—28c. The first florins were minted in Queen Victoria’s reign and were known as “Godless florins,” due to the omission of the usual Latin initials signifying “by the Grace of God” after the Queen’s name.

HALF-CROWN. Two shillings and sixpence—or 35c. Today, for only a half-crown, you can visit almost any of 450 castles and mansions now open to the public. Stately homes like Blenheim Palace, Luton Hoo and Glamis Castle.

ONE POUND. Equivalent of $2.80. There’s a bill for this—also for ten shillings. But U. S. law won’t let us show either. The British slang for a pound is “quid.” Call it what you like, it buys you a fine seat at the theater. Note: There’s a Scottish shilling in our picture. It has only one lion on its crest. Can you spot it?

For free “Travellers Guide to Britain,” see a travel agent 01 write to Box 430. British Travel Assn. In New York—680 Fifth Ave.; In Los Angeles—606 S. Hill St.; In Chicago—30 So. LaSalle St.; In Canada—90 Adelaide St. West, Toronto.