Photo Credit: GI-Coins-Medals
Medieval Byzantine Gold Solidus Coin from the 10th Century
Buy It Now Price: $818 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This magnificent, medieval Byzantine gold solidus coin portrays Christ holding the Gospels on the obverse and two Byzantine co-emperors, Constantine VII and Romanus II, on the reverse.
-This medieval gold solidus coin was struck in the Byzantine capital, Constantinople (modern day Istanbul), between 913 AD and 959 AD.
-The piece measures 20.0 mm (0.79 inches) in diameter and weighs 4.33 grams (0.1392 troy ounces).
-The Byzantine Empire was the successor state to the Eastern Roman Empire. It lasted for almost 1,000 years after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, from the late 5th century AD to 1453 AD.
-The Byzantine Empire was a major regional Mediterranean power in the 10th century AD and consisted of modern day Turkey, Greece and parts of southern Italy.
-The Byzantine gold solidus became the premier trade coin in Europe shortly after the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 6th century AD. It retained this dominant position until the Italian Renaissance in the 13th century.
-The portrait of Christ on this gold solidus coin is superb. The Byzantines developed the iconic image of a Christ with long hair, a beard and flowing robes that is ubiquitous in modern culture.
-This coin is problem free, with no graffiti, clipping, scratches or other damage. It is also well struck and well centered. Overall, it is a great example of a 10th century Byzantine gold solidus.
-Gold solidus coins are millennia old, handstruck reflections of Byzantine imperial grandeur. And this specimen, with its exceptional eye appeal, is an especially attractive investment piece.
-Given this medieval Byzantine gold solidus’ remarkable condition, compelling imagery and historical importance, the asking price of $818 is very good.
Cons:
-There are medieval Byzantine gold solidus coins available for lower prices in the market, but they are usually compromised in some respect. Having said that, you can occasionally snag a problem-free, bargain piece for $600 or $700 if you aren’t picky about the emperor.
-Having been minted in massive quantities, medieval Byzantine gold solidus coins are among the most common of medieval gold coins. However, solidus issues from the 10th century AD tend to be somewhat scarcer than equivalent specimens from the 6th-7th centuries AD or 11th century AD.
