 In Germany, imitations of cechinas and florins were originally called gulden (later Goldgulden), but because of a rapid decrease in weight there was a need to return to the prototype in 1559, and the name "ducat" was accepted (silver coins began to be called guldens and florins).Dutch ducats began to be minted relatively late (only in 1586), but in such quantities that in the 17th and 18th centuries they became one of the most important coins of world trade.Some countries (in particular, Austria) minted ducats before the First World War.