Dollar Sign Symbol $ Copy & Paste: History, Keyboard & Uses

The dollar sign ($) is one of the most recognized symbols on Earth. It represents the US dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, and over 20 other currencies worldwide. Beyond money, it has important roles in programming, spreadsheets, and text formatting. Every dollar sign variant is below, ready to copy.

All Dollar and Currency Symbols

History of the Dollar Sign

The origin of the dollar sign ($) is debated, but the most widely accepted theory traces it to the Spanish peso. In the 1700s, American colonists used Spanish pesos alongside English currency. Merchants wrote "ps" as an abbreviation for pesos, and over time the "p" and "s" merged into a single symbol: the "S" with a vertical line through it.

Another theory connects it to the Pillars of Hercules from the Spanish coat of arms, which appeared on Spanish coins. The two pillars wrapped with a ribbon bore a striking resemblance to the modern dollar sign with two vertical strokes.

The symbol was first used on US paper currency in the 1860s and has since become one of the most recognized symbols in global finance.

Currencies That Use the Dollar Sign

The dollar sign is not exclusive to US currency. Over 20 countries use it:

• United States: US Dollar (USD)
• Canada: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Australia: Australian Dollar (AUD)
• New Zealand: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Singapore: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
• Jamaica: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
• Namibia: Namibian Dollar (NAD)

Some countries add distinguishing features. Canada sometimes uses C$, Australia uses A$, and New Zealand uses NZ$ to differentiate from the US dollar.

Other Uses of the Dollar Sign

Programming

• PHP: All variable names start with $ (for example, $name, $count)
• JavaScript: $ is a valid variable name, commonly used by jQuery
• Bash/Shell: $ refers to variables ($HOME, $PATH) and the command prompt
• Perl: Scalar variables use $ ($var, $count)
• Regex: $ matches the end of a string or line

Spreadsheets

• Absolute references: In Excel and Google Sheets, $A$1 locks the cell reference when copying formulas
• Currency formatting: Automatically formats numbers as currency

How to Type the Dollar Sign

Windows

• Standard keyboard: Shift + 4 produces $
• Cent sign: Alt + 0162 (numeric keypad)

Mac

• Standard keyboard: Shift + 4 produces $
• Cent sign: Option + 4

Mobile

On both iOS and Android, tap the number key (123 or ?123) then tap the $ symbol. Long-pressing $ on some keyboards reveals related currency symbols.

HTML Entities

Quick Copy Section

All major currency symbols in one place:

$ € £ ¥ ₹ ₿

Highlight, copy, paste. Money talks in every currency.