Comparison of the imperial and US customary measurement systems metre, as 1852 metres. Traditionally, both Britain and the US used three different weight systems: troy weight for precious metals, avoirdupois weight for most other purposes and apothecaries' weight for medicines. However, apothecaries' weight has now been superseded by the metric system. One important difference is the widespread use in Britain of the stone of 14 pounds () for body weight. This unit is not used in the United States, although its influence was seen in the practice, until World War II, of selling flour by a barrel of 196 pounds (14 stone). Another difference arose when Britain abolished the
Taxation of precious metals same "intra-community transaction" rules to all of Europe on a bilateral basis resulting in legally tax-free silver coin availability throughout all of Europe. Precious metals are subject to tax as collectibles, with any profit being taxed at the collectibles capital gains rate. This is normally the standard income tax rate, with metal held over 1 year is subject to a maximum of 28%. Note that many people unfamiliar with the collectibles tax rates (including some well-known websites) incorrectly think that precious metals are taxed at a flat 28% (because they interpret the word "maximum" in "maximum 28% rate"). Taxation of