US dollar and its strangeness

[kladner]

As an example of some of these denominations, here are two versions of the same song. One is from Ireland and the other is from Appalachia. The Irish is rollicking, while the Appalachian is almost a dirge, at least as I know it. In this context I just wonder how 10 shillings have compared to 2 dollars over time. At least we know that either equals a gallon of moonshine whiskey.
First, according to the Clancy brothers:

I've been a moonshiner for many a year
I spent all my money on whiskey and beer
I'll go to some hollow and set up my still
and I'll make you a gallon for a ten shilling bill

Then we have the American version, at least one of them"

I've been a moonshiner for seventeen long year
I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
I'll go to some holler, I'll put up my still
I'll make you one gallon for a two dollar bill