To turn an honest penny

Posted by Henry November 23, 2004In reply to To turn an honest penny posted by Junius on November 23, 2004

I take it as meaning

a)'to make a small profit, trading'

b)'to make an honest living out of your job or trading honestly'

but I am interested in the origin of the phrase (date)and how it has evolved over time.

Turn is a word still used in trading. "DEALER'S TURN - A broker-dealer's profit when he or she buys a security at bid and sells at the offer price."