An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Heller

by Friedrich Kluge

Heller, m., from the equiv. MidHG. heller, haller, m., ‘a copper coin worth about 1/17d.’; according to the ordinary supposition, “it was so called from the imperial town of Schwäbisch-Hall, where it was first coined.” The OHG. term halling, ‘obolus,’ which apparently contradicts this, is perhaps rightly regarded as identical with MidHG. hęlblinc, m. ‘a fourth of a farthing.’