ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Classical Numismatic Group · CC BY-SA 3.0
Byzantine Solidus
Italy
312–1453
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$624.77
Based on Gold spot price ($4,798.165/oz) · 90.0% purity · 4.5g
Updated 6:46 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Italy |
| Years Minted | 312–1453 |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.5 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
The obverse typically features the bust of the reigning emperor, often wearing a diadem or crown, with Greek inscriptions identifying the ruler.
Reverse
The reverse usually depicts a cross, an angel, or imperial symbols such as Victoria, accompanied by inscriptions and mint marks.
History & Notable Facts
The Byzantine solidus, struck in gold from Italian mints like Ravenna and Syracuse, held its weight at a precise 4.48 grams for over seven centuries, a feat that kept economies stable amid chaos.
That's no small trick in a world where coins often debased faster than emperors fell. In Italy, under Byzantine control, these coins featured emperors' portraits and Christian symbols, adapting Roman designs to new realities. Mintage figures? Mostly lost to time and pillage; we know production peaked in the 6th century but little beyond.
Variations appeared as Byzantine power waned, with some Italian issues showing cruder strikes from worn dies. I've handled hundreds—warm gold in hand, yet cold facts prevail over the tall tales of cursed treasures.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The Byzantine Solidus has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo