The Venetian gold ducat was introduced in 1284/5 and rapidly became one of the most important trading coins in mediaeval Europe. The name was derived from the phrase ISTE DVCATVS ('this Duchy'), which appears on the coin. The Venetian ducat became so important that other states like Milan and Hungary began to issue gold coins of the same weight and fineness. These coins too tended to be called ducats and eventually the name came to be used as a general term for a gold coin.The design shows a figure of Christ in an oval frame (mandorla) and an image of the Doge of Venice receiving a banner from Saint Mark.