have a shilling

[kjc0123]

What is the meaning of "have a shilling" in the following sentences?

"My friends, this library is a base camp for Grail seekers. Leigh Teabing among them. I wish I had a shilling for every time I'd run searches for the Rose, Mary Magdalene, Sangreal, Merovingian, Priory of Sion, et cetera, et cetera. Everyone loves a conspiracy."

[SteveD]

In 1971, the UK changed from the "old currency" to a decimal system.  The basic unit (the Pound Sterling - � -) remained the same but was divided into 100 pence (p).

Prior to that, the pound was divided into 240 pence (d) and 12 pence equalled a shilling (s).  Consequently, �1 = 20s.  Prices were given in pounds, shillings and pence - e.g. one pound, ten shillings and sixpence - �1/10/6).  There was a 1 shilling coin. A shilling would be 5p in today's currency.

I can't remember which character in The Da Vinci Code utters the words you quote, but it would suggest an older person who, had he received a shilling coin each time he had been asked to make the searches, would now be "rich".

[woofgang]

to add the SteveD's clear explanation. The idea is that a shilling is a small amount of money and that therefore many many people have asked for such a search to be run as it would take many many shillings to make the speaker rich.

[NuclearFace]

It's exactly the same as we say today "I wish I had a penny/nickel/dime etc. for every time that happened". The only difference is that shillings aren't legal tender any more, and as SteveD said, this would suggest an older person.