Coin

Manufacturer Unknown

Date13th-14th century

MediumGold

DimensionsOverall: 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative arts

Credit LineGift of Alva Museum Replicas, Inc.

Object number60.62.1

Terms

Florence

On View

Not on view

DescriptionA florin with a fleur-de-lis and "Florentina" on the obverse and "S Johannts B" on the reverse. This coin was accepted by the Museum in the place of a royalty on the reproductions of this coin made up into jewelry, NO (for Norfolk Museum) 35. From the reproduction, pins, earrings, tie clips, cuff link, etc. are made. The label with the reproductions reads, "Florin. The original was the name of several gold coins struck in continental Europe. The word comes through the French word "Florin" from the Italian "Florino" and the Latin "Flos"-flower. The "flower" on the coin is the fleur-de-lis emblem which is composed of elements of the lily or white iris plant. This design has been found as far away as Egypt and India and it appears on some Etruscan bronzes. In heraldy, it was used from the 12th century in France, England, and Germany. The weight of the gold florin, the reverse of which shows the standing figure of St. John the Baptist, was about 5 grains. First struck in 1252 by the City-Republic of Florence, a center of art and industry, it was held in high commercial repute all over Europ because of the purity of its gold.