Dollar sign facts for kids
The dollar or peso sign ($) is a special symbol. It is used for different types of money around the world, like the peso or the dollar.
Sometimes, the dollar sign looks like an "S" with one line going through it. Other times, it looks like an "S" with two lines. When it has two lines, it is called a cifrão. People have many interesting stories about how this symbol came to be used for money.
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What Does the Sign Mean?
The dollar sign is a quick way to show that a number is about money. For example, "$5" means five dollars or five pesos. It helps people understand prices and amounts of money easily.
Where Does the Sign Come From?
There are a few ideas about where the dollar sign came from. One popular story is that it comes from the old Spanish currency called the "Spanish dollar" or "piece of eight." These coins were very common in many parts of the world a long time ago.
Spanish Dollar Connection
Some people believe the sign came from the letters "PS" written on top of each other. "PS" stood for "peso." Over time, the "P" and "S" might have blended together, making the "$" symbol we know today.
Another idea is that it comes from the Pillars of Hercules symbol. This symbol was on the Spanish dollar coins. It showed two pillars with a ribbon wrapped around them in an "S" shape. This could have inspired the dollar sign.
Different Kinds of Dollar Signs
Most people recognize the dollar sign with one line. However, the cifrão (with two lines) is also used in some places. For example, countries like Cape Verde and Portugal use the cifrão for their currencies. Even though they look a little different, both symbols mean money.
Images for kids
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A piece of eight from the Potosí mint, showing the Pillars of Hercules with "S" ribbons, and two "PTSI" monograms at about 4 and 8 o'clock around the edge.
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Sample ledger with a sign for dollar from John Collins 1686.
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Car for sale in Cape Verde, showing use of the cifrão as decimals separator.
See also
In Spanish: $ para niños
