For other senses of this word, see
solidus, a disambiguation page.A solidus (the
Latin word for solid) was originally a
gold coin issued by the
Romans. It was introduced by
Constantine I in 309–10, and was used through the
Byzantine Empire until the
10th century. 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 lower quality issues from the Byzantine Empire. The weight and fineness of the solidus remained relatively constant throughout its long production. Fractions of the solidus known as semissis (half-solidi) and tremissis (one-third solidi) were also produced.
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