The Florin was one of the first gold coins minted in 1252 AD after the fall of the Roman Empire . Originally it was in pure gold (24 kt )
The name Florin devolves from the Iris flower depicted on one side of the coin , the opposite side depicts Saint John the Baptist the patron and protector of Florence .
In the 13th century till the Renaissance , the florin , due to the strong influence of the Florentine banks it became the main currency of Europe .
The original had a diameter of 19mm and was in pure gold , but now it is reproduced also in 18 kt and in different sizes . Artisans now craft rings , earrings , bracelets , pendents and necklaces , using different colours , yellow , white , and rose gold.