Etymology
The word "pence" comes from the Latin "denarius," which referred to a silver coin used in ancient Rome. The term "penny" (a single pence) is derived from the Proto-Germanic word penningaz, meaning "coin."
Meaning
Pence is the plural form of the British currency unit called "penny." It is the smallest monetary unit in the United Kingdom, with 100 pence equaling £1 (one British pound).
Origin
The concept of pence as a currency unit originated in the 8th century AD when Offa, King of Mercia, introduced the penny as an alternative to the silver sceat, which was the primary coin in use at the time. The penny was initially valued at one-twelfth of a sceat.
Over time, the penny became the dominant coin in England and was used as legal tender until the introduction of decimal currency in 1971. The term "pence" has been used to refer to the plural form of penny since at least the 13th century.
Usage
Pence is used in both singular and plural forms. For example, "one pence" refers to a single coin, while "ten pence" refers to a collection of ten coins. It is used in everyday transactions, such as purchasing small items or paying for bus fares.
Variations
In addition to the term "pence," there are several other variations of the word that have been used throughout history, including:
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