SOLIDUS OF CONSTANTINE THE GREAT IN THE CHAPEL
(306 AD )
Obverse:
Bust of Constantine with laurel wreath facing right IMP CONS TANTI-NVS P F AVG .
Reverse:
Chapel inscribed SA/PI/EN/TIA (The Wisdom).A helmet on the ground, a shield and a hasta. (References to the goddess Minerva) PRINCIPIS PRO VIDENTISSIMI SARL.
- Hand stamped
- Brass color
- Diameter 2 cm
- May show slight signs of wear
Coinage reform under Emperor Constantine
Emperor Constantine let in the 3.Jhd.A.D. instead of the Aureus known since Augustus as a gold coin minted the Solidus. This replaced the Aureus around 309 AD, because this actual standard gold coin lost more and more in fineness and value. A reform was therefore necessary to restore confidence in the standard currency for the Roman people. So Constantine had the first solidus minted around 309 AD in Augusta Treverorum , today's Trier, his residence at the time. The "solid, reliable aureus" - Aureus Solidus - became the general imperial coin around 320 AD under Constantine's reign and gained importance far beyond the borders of the Roman Empire. In the beginning, both coins , aureus and solidus were in circulation together . They were in the ratio 5:6 to each other. That is 5 Aurei corresponded to 6 Solidi.
