Sequins were a form of gold Currency minted in Venice and Greater Italy in the 13th Century. They consisted of .986 Fine Gold, weighing 3.5 grams. Used first for local debts and commerce. Sequins saw some service as International currency for a period. The basic mint design remained unchanged for 500 years. The Sequin became popular with The Byzantine Empire and later with The Ottomans. It was in this, the currency could be found on use in Eastern Europe Popular with many Mediterranean Pirates, they were also minted in silver for a brief time as a lesser currency.