One bob was the slang term for a British Shilling. Its value varied depending on whether it was before or after the UK's decimalisation in 1971.
Understanding the Value of a Bob
Based on historical currency, one bob was equivalent to one shilling. The value changed significantly when the United Kingdom transitioned from the old system of Pounds, Shillings, and Pence (Lsd) to decimal currency.
- Before Decimalisation (Pre-1971): According to the reference, a Shilling (one bob) was worth 12 old pennies. The pre-decimal system had 12 pence to a shilling and 20 shillings to a pound.
- After Decimalisation (Post-1971): Following decimalisation in 1971, the value of the shilling was fixed in the new system. The reference states that a Shilling was worth 5 new pence.
The old "ten bob note," representing ten shillings, provides another example of its value in both systems. The reference notes that a ten bob note was equivalent to 50 new pence after decimalisation. This aligns with one shilling being worth 5 new pence (10 shillings * 5p/shilling = 50p).
Here's a quick summary:
| Term | Equivalent | Before Decimalisation (Pre-1971) | After Decimalisation (Post-1971) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob | Shilling | 12 old pennies | 5 new pence |
| Ten Bob | Ten Shillings | Varied (e.g., 5 Florins) | 50p |
This information is derived from the reference: 'Old Money' in the English Language - The Britannia Coin Company which states, "A 'bob' was the slang word for a Shilling, which was worth 12 old pennies. Following decimilisation in 1971, a Shilling was worth 5 new pence."
