The Byzantine solidus served as the foundation of medieval currency, retaining its stability for more than seven centuries. First introduced by Constantine I in the fourth century, each coin contained approximately 4.5 grams of pure gold. Over time, these gold pieces became the most reliable medium of exchange across the Mediterranean and beyond, reaching as far as Britain and India. Struck under the authority of successive emperors, the Byzantine solidus remained in active circulation until the 11th century AD. Today, Byzantine Empire Phocas AV Solidus Coins are available in Mint State condition from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The consistent weight and purity of the Byzantine solidus made it the benchmark for international trade throughout the early Middle Ages, and Byzantine emperors guarded its integrity zealously as a symbol of imperial prestige and economic power. The coin’s reliability only began to erode in the eleventh century when successive emperors reduced its gold content.
This Byzantine Empire Phocas AV Solidus Coin is available in Mint State condition and boasts strong grades in the NGC ancient coin certifications for strike and luster. The latter two indicators are shown on the slab as grades between 1/5 (lowest) and 5/5 (highest). Strike refers to the factors present when the coin was struck, such as the centering of its design, the strength of the strike, and the evenness of the strike. Surface refers to factors present post-production, including luster, corrosion, scratches, and other abrasions.
Byzantine Empire Phocas AV Solidus Coins feature a front-facing bust of Emperor Phocas on the obverse. He is shown wearing a cross crown with an additional cross in his right hand. The reverse of the coin features a front-facing angle holding a cross with the coin’s legend details visible around the edge of the field. Each coin has reflective fields on both sides, with a bright, unblemished surface that boasts a rich golden luster.
Under Emperor Phocas’ rule, the Byzantine Empire endured one of its darkest periods, as this brutal military usurper proved catastrophically incompetent as emperor. Having murdered his predecessor Maurice and his family, Phocas ruled through terror and failed to address the empire’s mounting crises. His reign was marked by administrative chaos, religious persecution, and economic collapse, while his cruelty alienated both the aristocracy and the populace. The empire’s desperate state under his misrule made Heraclius’s revolt from Carthage appear as a salvation, ending with Phocas’s execution in 610.
Please feel free to contact JM Bullion if you have any questions about ancient gold. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.
Tracking and insurance included on all orders
The Byzantine solidus served as the foundation of medieval currency, retaining its stability for more than seven centuries. First introduced by Constantine I in the fourth century, each coin contained approximately 4.5 grams of pure gold. Over time, these gold pieces became the most reliable medium of exchange across the Mediterranean and beyond, reaching as far as Britain and India. Struck under the authority of successive emperors, the Byzantine solidus remained in active circulation until the 11th century AD. Today, Byzantine Empire Phocas AV Solidus Coins are available in Mint State condition from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The consistent weight and purity of the Byzantine solidus made it the benchmark for international trade throughout the early Middle Ages, and Byzantine emperors guarded its integrity zealously as a symbol of imperial prestige and economic power. The coin’s reliability only began to erode in the eleventh century when successive emperors reduced its gold content.
This Byzantine Empire Phocas AV Solidus Coin is available in Mint State condition and boasts strong grades in the NGC ancient coin certifications for strike and luster. The latter two indicators are shown on the slab as grades between 1/5 (lowest) and 5/5 (highest). Strike refers to the factors present when the coin was struck, such as the centering of its design, the strength of the strike, and the evenness of the strike. Surface refers to factors present post-production, including luster, corrosion, scratches, and other abrasions.
Byzantine Empire Phocas AV Solidus Coins feature a front-facing bust of Emperor Phocas on the obverse. He is shown wearing a cross crown with an additional cross in his right hand. The reverse of the coin features a front-facing angle holding a cross with the coin’s legend details visible around the edge of the field. Each coin has reflective fields on both sides, with a bright, unblemished surface that boasts a rich golden luster.
Under Emperor Phocas’ rule, the Byzantine Empire endured one of its darkest periods, as this brutal military usurper proved catastrophically incompetent as emperor. Having murdered his predecessor Maurice and his family, Phocas ruled through terror and failed to address the empire’s mounting crises. His reign was marked by administrative chaos, religious persecution, and economic collapse, while his cruelty alienated both the aristocracy and the populace. The empire’s desperate state under his misrule made Heraclius’s revolt from Carthage appear as a salvation, ending with Phocas’s execution in 610.
Please feel free to contact JM Bullion if you have any questions about ancient gold. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.