The Florin is a gold or silver coin that originated in the late Middle Ages, first minted in Florence, Italy in 1252. It became widely used across Europe due to its consistent weight and purity, making it a trusted currency for trade and commerce. The coin typically features a design of the Florentine lily and the image of St. John the Baptist. Over time, the term "florin" has been used to describe various coins in different countries, including the Dutch florin and the British florin. These coins often varied in metal composition and value but retained the name due to historical significance.