THE ORIGIN OF "STERLING"
A POSSIBLE origin of the use of the term "sterling" is mentioned by Mr William Baine in an article on the Sterling in "Forest and Bird." Mr Baine says: "The word, 'sterling' as applied to British coinage is of dubious origin and there are several theories. His is one suggestion which will interest rea.ders. Some of the coins of Edward the Confessor (reign 1042-1066) had four birds shown on the reverse side. The coins were much valued in Europe for their recognised quality and. were known as 'English Staerlings. Later, in the 13th century, the expression 'sterling' was adopted (and borrowed by all European .languages) when the Hanseatic League, a commercial union of German cities,, was trading with England, and applied to the English coins, and to coins in general, of standard or recognised quality."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19420320.2.9.2
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 31, 20 March 1942, Page 4
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139THE ORIGIN OF "STERLING" Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 31, 20 March 1942, Page 4
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