We generally take the words we use for money for granted. After all, we don’t need to know where it comes from as long as we get more of it! But since money is generally most useful for trade (especially in the medieval period), and because of the international nature of trade, different words for money have all kinds of interesting origins.
For instance: Dollar. Dollar is derived from “Thaler” which itself comes from “Dale” (as in the archaic geographic term for valley: “over hill and dale”). The reason for this is because, back in the 16th Century, an enterprising count opened a mine in Joachimsthal (Joachim’s Dale), and began minting coins of unusual consistency and quality. From there, the Thaler became a German standard that quickly spread to other countries.
The British Pound Sterling and the Mexican Peso share an origin in common, in that they both refer to the weight of the currency (Peso literally translated to “a weight” — it shares a common etymological root with pensive, which is a mood someone might have when weighing options). The “Sterling” part of the Pound Sterling is subject to much debate. Some people say it is an abreviation for “easterling”, reflecting how English traders preferred German coins. Others say Sterling is actually “Starling” , reflecting how the coins shine like little stars.
The word “money” itself is derived from “Moneta”, which is the last name of the Roman God Juno. Her temple, you see, was right next to the Roman mint. Where did she get that name? Apparently it refers to her role as a “monitor” of human behavior. So the next time you judge the value of your money, remember that money could be judging the value of you.
– A few thoughts from your friend Saxo