Solidus (coin)
| Numismatics |
Coin BasicsPhilosophy Terminology Clubs |
Coinage Metals
Gold Silver Copper |
| Mining for Coinage |
Ancient Coins
Greece Rome Byzantium |
World Coins
Europe The Americas Africa Asia |
| Paper Money (Currency) |
| Tokenss |
| Medals, Orders, Decorations |
Exonumia
Primitive Money Checks and Credit Cards |
Economics
Banking Stocks and Bonds |
A solidus (the Latin word for solid) was originally a gold coin issued by the Romans. It was introduced by Constantine I in the 309-10 AD, and was used through the Byzantine Empire until the 10th century AD. The coin replaced the aureus as the main gold coin of the Roman Empire.
The name solidus had previously been used by Diocletian (284-305) for the gold coin that he introduced, which is different from the solidus introduced by Constantine. The coin was struck at a theoretical value of 1/72 of a Roman pound (about 4.5 grams). Solidi were wider and thinner than the aureus, with the exception of some dumpy issues from the Byzantine Empire. The weight and fineness of the solidus remained relatively constant throughout its long production, with few exceptions. Fractions of the solidus known as semisses (half-solidi) and tremissis (one-third solidi) were also produced.
| Table of contents |
|
2 See also |
Impact on world currencies
Variations on the word solidus gave rise to a number of currency units:Peru
The current currency of Peru, is the sol.France
In France the sol was the name for a 12-denier coin, 1/20 of the livre tournois (Tournois pound). After decimalization in France, the sou became the name for a a five-centime coin, 1/20 of the French franc.United Kingdom
Until decimalization in the United Kingdom, the letter s, from solidus, was used to represent a shilling, worth 1/20 of a Pound Sterling.