sterling

Sterling is a term with several related meanings in money, metallurgy, and language. It most often refers to the pound sterling, the currency of the United Kingdom, and to sterling silver, a high-purity silver alloy. It is also an English adjective meaning excellent.

The pound sterling (GBP) is the official currency of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and several British territories. It is issued in coins and banknotes and is typically abbreviated as GBP or denoted by the symbol £. Historically, the name derives from a standard of weight and fineness used for medieval English silver coins; the modern currency is fiat and managed by the Bank of England, with a floating exchange rate. The term “sterling” also appears in related contexts, such as “pound sterling” in official usage and reserve-currency terminology.

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other metals. It is valued for its strength, workability, and bright finish and is widely used in jewelry, hollowware, and decorative objects. Items that meet the standard are stamped with marks such as 925 or “sterling.”

The word sterling also functions as an adjective meaning of high quality or integrity, used in phrases such as sterling performance. The exact origin of the term is uncertain; theories link it to medieval East Anglian moneyers or to an old sense of strength and genuineness in English.