- This article is about the archaic weight of measure/currency. For other uses of mark, see the disambiguation page Mark.
The word mark (from an apparently non-Teutonic word found in all Teutonic and Romance languages, and Latinized as marca or marcus) originally expressed a measure of weight only for gold and silver, commonly used throughout western Europe and equivalent to 8 oz (ounces). Considerable variations, however, occurred throughout the Middle ages (see du Cange, Gloss. med. et infim. Lat., s.v. Marca for a full list).
In England the "mark" never appeared as a coin, but as a money of account only, and apparently came into use in the 10th century through the Danes. It first equalled 100 pence, but after the Norman Conquest equalled 160 pennies = 2/3 of the Pound Sterling, or 13s. 4d., and therefore in Scotland 31/2d. English.
The mark (merk) Scots comprised a silver coin of this value, issued first in 1570 and afterwards in 1663.
See also
Last updated: 05-29-2005 09:34:42
