Question about British Currency

[irisbud]

Hi everyone,

I am not from the UK (Though I hope to visit this winter with my father, who was born in England and wants to see the town he was born in), but am posting here in hopes that you can answer a question for me.

My BF and I like to watch Cash in the Attic on BBC America. The units of currency they always use are "pound" "quid" and "p". I think that the pound is the basic unit of British currency (correct me if I am wrong), but how do the others relate? Sometimes we get the impression that a "pound" and a "quid" are the same thing, but I think we would be wrong to assume that...

Sorry for rambling, but if anyone could answer our stupid American question we would be really greatful!

TIA

 

[AndRu]

A pound and a quid are the same thing ... £10 (pounds) is the same as 10 quid. Think of a quid as a "buck" is to the dollar. Basically, our currency works on the same principle as the dollar; i.e. £1 (pound) is 100 pence or 'p'

We use the following denominations of coins:

1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2 and a (very rare) £5 coin

The notes you're most likely to see are £5, £10 & £20

HTH's

 

[irisbud]

Thank you so much!