In Historical Rome, a single solidus may purchase you 10 bushels or 30-40 bundles of wheat in native markets. Immediately, proudly owning one could be much more precious! Every solidus was price round 275,000 denarii and contained 4.5 grams of 24kt gold. The phrase “solidus” means “stable” in Latin, referring to the pure gold used to make the coin.
The solidus (plural: solidi) was a Roman coin launched by Constantine the Nice in 312 AD. It remained in use by means of the Byzantine interval till the autumn of the Byzantine Empire within the fifteenth century. It changed the aureus, a gold coin in circulation for the reason that 1st century BC. The solidus maintained a constant commonplace for over 600 years and was extremely valued worldwide attributable to its gold content material.
Some solidi featured Christian symbols, together with a picture of Christ on one aspect, whereas others displayed a front-facing bust of the ruling emperor. Regardless of design modifications, all solidi adopted an identical format, with spiritual imagery and a portrait on both sides. Early cash usually had the mark “LXXII” (72 in Roman numerals), which can have indicated their worth. New cash have been issued with each change in management, leading to many forms of solidi, every with various rarity.
As time went on, the gold content material in solidi step by step decreased. Through the reign of Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118), the solidus was phased out and changed by the Hyperpyron, a gold coin made with 85% gold.
Solidus cash are prized by collectors at the moment, and their worth is determined by situation and rarity. They’re thought-about glorious starter items, with many obtainable in the marketplace. Cash in mint situation could be price much more at the moment than the bundles of wheat they as soon as traded for!
Solidus in Public sale
Lot 31
Leo I AV Solidus.
Estimate: £350 – £450
Lot 32
Leo I AV Solidus.
Estimate: £350 – £450
Lot 33
Zeno AV Solidus.
Estimate: £350 – £450
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Monday twenty first October 10:00-16:00
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Chloe Hartley | Junior Cataloguer, Silver & Collectables
