Derivation of Sterling

What is the derivation of *Sterling*? Some authors say from "Easterling," a race of German or Dutch traders; but is it not more likely from "steer," a bull, or ox, viz. a coin originally stamped with a figure of that animal? Of this, and parallel cases, we have many instances among the ancients. I find also, that, in a decree issued in the time of Richard I., the word is used, and explained by "peny" as a synonym. Now peny or penny is clearly from *pecunia*, and that from *pecus*, so that we have the two words brought side by side, one through the Latin, and the other through the Saxon languag…