
Byzantine solidus
A Byzantine solidus was a gold coin used in the Byzantine Empire, introduced around the 4th century AD. It was valued for its consistent weight and high gold content, making it a trusted currency for trade and stability. The coin’s design often featured religious and imperial imagery, symbolizing authority and faith. Its reliability helped facilitate commerce across different regions and eras, and it became a standard of currency in the medieval Mediterranean world. The solidus’s durability and trustworthiness contributed significantly to the economic stability of the Byzantine Empire over centuries.