ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Herman Moll · Public domain
Roman Solidus
Italy
312–476
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 | 312–476 |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.5 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Features the bust of the Roman emperor, often facing right and wearing a diadem or laurel wreath.
Reverse
Typically depicts a standing figure such as Victory holding a wreath and palm, or other imperial motifs.
History & Notable Facts
The Roman solidus was the first gold coin to maintain a consistent weight of about 4.5 grams for over a century, anchoring trade across the faltering empire. That stability wasn't just luck; it reflected Constantine's savvy reform in 312 AD, ditching debased currency for pure gold.
Minted in places like Rome and Milan, these coins featured emperors on one side and Christian symbols on the other as the empire shifted faiths. We've got solid evidence from hoards that they circulated as far as India and China. But exact mintage figures? Lost to time, probably in some sacked archive.
One oddity: soldiers were paid in solidi, which must have felt like carrying pocket-sized fortunes. I suppose that's why they called it solid—unlike my back after bending over coin slabs for decades.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The Roman 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