Why is the British currency called Pound sterling instead of British Dollars?

Question

Canada, Australia and New Zealand are part of the commonwealth yet they each have their own dollar, like the USA which isn't part of the commonwealth. But Britain doesn't have their own dollar. It would make sense if it did, and it could easily be called GBD

Update:

Barry yes it's part of British culture but that doesn't answer why it was called Pound sterling instead of British Dollars in the first place

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

Pound Sterling was the dollar before the US took over in 1974. If GB could maintain a status quo as a world currency, many currencies might be called Pound instead.

Answer 2

The pound sterling has been around far longer than any dollar currency. Why doesn't Canada and Australia have the Canadian and Australian pound? Why does Europe have the Euro instead of the European dollar?

Answer 3

We are proud of our heritage. Why isn't the Euro called a Eurodollar? The British Pound is like fish and chips. Part of our culture.