Origin of the word dollar

Question

Where are its origins? Why did America choose it for their currency, instead of specie of which was very common at the time?

Hi, please use proper punctuation/capitalization when posting, there are people here learning English and we need to be a good example to them. I have corrected your post. Welcome to the forum! - Destroyed99, Aug 7, 2011

Answer 1

The origin is the Dutch word 'daalder' , which in its turn was derived from a 16th century German silver coin named 'Thaler' or 'Taler', short for Joachimst(h)aler. There used to be a silver mine in the Joachimstal, now Jáchimov in Northern Bohemia. And once upon a time New York used to be New Amsterdam.

Answer 2

The origin of the word dollar and the reasons why it was adopted by the US are explained at wikipedia. The word specie means coins and has never been the name of any currency, as far as I know. Obviously, early Ameican money largely consisted of coins.

Answer 3

Not to be confused with dolor then Otro dia, otro dolor

Money = Pain :-) - musicat, Jan 31, 2012

Answer 4

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Answer 5

It is interesting, that from the german "Thaler" was derived the hungarian word " tallér " , which used to be in circulation between 1499-1867.

Es interesante , que de la palabra alemána "Thaler "proviene the palabra húngara "tallér" ,cual era en circulación entre 1499-1867.