solidus
Quick Summary
The solidus was the primary gold coin of the Byzantine Empire, originating from the coin of Constantine. It weighed approximately 4.5 grams and was known for its purity for centuries, dominating European trade until the 13th century.12
Byzantine coinage, which began with Emperor Anastasius I, included gold, silver, and bronze. The gold solidus was a significant influence on European coinage for 1,000 years. The coins often featured religious imagery, reflecting the empire's Christian nature, with emperors depicted as Christian rulers.12
While the gold solidus was paramount, silver coins like the siliqua and keration, and later the miliaresion and hexagram, were also issued. Bronze coins were common and underwent reforms, with marks indicating their value. Constantinople was the main mint, but other cities also produced coinage. The solidus's purity declined from the 10th century, and by the later Byzantine period, coinage quality deteriorated significantly.123
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Byzantine EmpireThe reforms of Diocletian and Constantine…be succeeded by Constantine’s gold solidus. The latter piece, struck at the lighter weight of 72 to the gold pound, remained the standard for centuries. For whatever reason, in summary, Constantine’s policies proved extraordinarily fruitful. Some of them—notably hereditary succession, the recognition of Christianity, the currency reform, and the foundation…
Read More…be succeeded by Constantine’s gold solidus. The latter piece, struck at the lighter weight of 72 to the gold pound, remained the standard for centuries. For whatever reason, in summary, Constantine’s policies proved extraordinarily fruitful. Some of them—notably hereditary succession, the recognition of Christianity, the currency reform, and the foundation…
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Constantine ILegacy of Constantine I…a new gold coin, the solidus, which was to survive for centuries as the basic unit of Byzantine currency, could hardly have been achieved without the work of his predecessors in restoring political and military stability after the anarchy of the 3rd century. Perhaps more directly linked with Constantine’s own…
Read More…a new gold coin, the solidus, which was to survive for centuries as the basic unit of Byzantine currency, could hardly have been achieved without the work of his predecessors in restoring political and military stability after the anarchy of the 3rd century. Perhaps more directly linked with Constantine’s own…
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coinCoinage in the Byzantine Empire…was based on the gold solidus (1/72 of a pound) of Constantine—the bezant of 4.5 grams (about 70 grains) maximum, which dominated so much of European trade to the 13th century. Until the 10th century, halves and thirds were also used. This gold was proverbial for its purity…
Read More…was based on the gold solidus (1/72 of a pound) of Constantine—the bezant of 4.5 grams (about 70 grains) maximum, which dominated so much of European trade to the 13th century. Until the 10th century, halves and thirds were also used. This gold was proverbial for its purity…
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ancient RomeThe reign of Constantine…and, most importantly, the gold solidus, whose stability was to make it the Byzantine Empire’s basic currency. And by plundering Licinius’ treasury and despoiling the pagan temples, he was able to restore the finances of the state. Even so, he still had to create class taxes: the gleba for senators,…
Read More…and, most importantly, the gold solidus, whose stability was to make it the Byzantine Empire’s basic currency. And by plundering Licinius’ treasury and despoiling the pagan temples, he was able to restore the finances of the state. Even so, he still had to create class taxes: the gleba for senators,…
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