Florence. Italy. Fiorino d'oro. AV. Segno: Ampoule. Circa 1304-1310. Ornate lily of Florence (Fleur-de-lis) and St John the Baptist. EF. One of Europe's most important coinage since the middle ages. The Florentino florin was struck between 1252 to 1533 with little change during its issue. Having a high gold purity and largely influenced by Florence's significance as one of Europe's leading mercantile and financial center, the florin quickly became the dominant trade coinage of the Western world. Whilst silver coinage was the common medium of circulation, the florin was used for large trade transactions. Before the florin, gold coinage was often sourced from the Byzantines and Arab countries given their access to rich gold deposits from the Levant and Northern Africa. Such was the popularity and dominance of the florin that it influenced many subsequent European kingdoms to issue localized copies of the florin. These share the same designs and dimensions of the florin but distinguished by slight variations such as the country name and saints. The dominance of the florin eventually waned and was replaced in it's dominance by the Venetian Ducat after hundreds of years. Such was their significance that the term was largely adopted by various kingdoms such as the Hungarian Forint and the British Florin.
Interesting post, and a good looking coin, thanks! Yes, the florin and its design were certainly popular then. Here are two lookalikes. Orange: https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=853&lot=6617 Viennois: https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=853&lot=6620 In the Netherlands before the euro, the gulden was often abbreviated "f" or "fl", referring to the (gold, then silver) florijn. And in Aruba they still use the florin ... Christian
Thanks you. It does have a significant impact on European coinage. As they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery. The interesting thing was even though the other countries could have issued their own distinct gold coins, they chose to copy the florin wholesale down to their design. So it is not just the inherent gold value but also the 'brand' mattered just as much
Thank you very much. A historical iconic piece which influenced a lot of modern European coinage..not bad for a simple piece of coin type
I really love the obverse. There is a lot of detail, but there is a crudeness that shows its era well. Excellent purchase!
Thanks.. a lot of these are characteristically crude and worn given their circulation and purity rendering them very soft.. earlier variants have a crude and lower artistic design.. later variants have improved on St John's image rendering him more regal
