Guilder is the English translation of the Dutch and German gulden, originally shortened from Middle High German guldin pfenninc "gold penny". This was the term that became current in the southern and western parts of the Holy Roman Empire for the Fiorino d´oro (introduced in 1252). Hence, the name has often been interchangeable with florin (currency sign ƒ or fl.).
The guilder is also the name of several currencies used in Europe and the former colonies of the Dutch Empire.
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