Florin

The Florin, also known as the Florin or Lily Guilder, is one of the most important gold coins of the Middle Ages and occupies a prominent position in numismatics. The Florin originated in 1252 in the city of Florence, where it was introduced under the name Fiorino d’oro. This coin was characterised by its striking design: the front featured a stylised lily – the coat of arms of Florence – while the reverse showed a standing figure of St. John the Baptist, who was venerated as the patron saint of Florence. This iconographic design made the florin not only a symbolic coin, but also an aesthetically outstanding one, which quickly became a model for numerous imitations throughout Europe.
Between around 1320/25 and 1360/80, the florin spread far beyond the borders of Italy and was adapted in numerous regions of Europe, including France, the Netherlands, the Holy Roman Empire and even England. Its high purity and stable weight made it a reliable means of payment in interregional trade and established its reputation as the ‘international reserve currency’ of the late Middle Ages. In this function, the florin served not only as a means of economic exchange, but also as a symbol of the power, stability and economic influence of its issuing city or ruler.
The florin also experienced a renaissance in Great Britain, albeit in a modified form. Between 1849 and 1946, a silver coin called the florin or floren was introduced, which was later issued in copper-nickel. This modern variant was worth two shillings and was intended to pave the way for a decimalised currency system. Although these British florins differ significantly from the original gold florins in terms of material and function, the name continues to bear the memory of the medieval original and its prestige.
For numismatists, the florin is a fascinating collector’s item, valued both for its historical significance and its design quality. Early coins from Florence and floral variants from other European cities are considered rarities with high collector’s value. The florin embodies not only the economic heyday of medieval trading cities, but also the cultural appeal of a coin that served as a symbol of trust, stability and craftsmanship for centuries.