The pound sign (£) is the symbol for the pound sterling —the currency of the United Kingdom (UK).The same symbol is used for similarly named currencies such as the Gibraltar pound or occasionally the Syrian pound.It is also sometimes used for currencies named lira, for example the now withdrawn Italian lira, and on rare occasion, the Turkish lira.he same symbol is used for similarly named currencies such as the Gibraltar pound or occasionally the Syrian pound. It is also sometimes used for currencies named lira, for example the now withdrawn Italian lira, and on rare occasion, the Turkish lira.