How the world's currencies got their names

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czech crown

Reuters

Czech crown banknotes are seen in this picture illustration taken in Prague January 31, 2011.

From country to country, monetary units vary nearly as much as the cultures and languages who use them. But have you ever wondered why a dollar is called a "dollar?"

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A recent post on the Oxford Dictionary's "OxfordWords" blog explained the origins of the names of the world's most common currencies. In the slides below, find out where these everyday words comes form.