A solidus is a gold coin introduced by Emperor Constantine the Great in the early 4th century. The solidus subsequently formed the basis of the currency system in late antiquity – in both the Roman and Byzantine empires.
The one you see here is from the Constantinopolis Mint. It was struck after Justinian the Second became emperor for the second time in 705 and raised his son Tiberius to the rank of co-emperor that same year. That led to coins featuring portraits of both being minted. However, this one only shows the father, Justinian the Second.
In his right hand, he's holding what's known as a cross potent, while the left hand holds a globe surmounted by a patriarchal cross. The legend PAX inscribed within the orb is a general reminder of the emperor's role of ensuring peace on earth. Two more words are inscribed on the far right:
MULTOS ANNOS – "May he live for many years!"
The reverse of the solidus is devoted to Christian themes. That was frequently the case on Byzantine coins. Christ appears with the New Testament and with one hand raised in blessing. On older coins, he would have been portrayed with flowing locks and a long beard, but here he has short, curly hair and a short beard. One reason may be that people were searching for what they thought of as the "true" image of Christ – Christ as REX REGNANTIUM, King of Kings – hence the inscription on the coin.
Weitere Medien
- Material & Technik
- Gold, geprägt
- Museum
- Münzkabinett
- Ort & Datierung
- Thrakien (Thracia), o.J. (705)
- Inventarnummer
- 2002/345