Byzantine Gold Solidus of Emperor Heraclius I, Constantinople Mint
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Ca. 610–641 CE
This Byzantine gold solidus dates to the reign of Emperor Heraclius I, between 610 and 641 CE. Struck at the Constantinople mint from high-purity gold of approximately 98% fineness, the coin weighs 4.5 grams and has a diameter of 2.1 cm.
It features a deliberate perforation at the top edge, suggesting it was historically utilized as a pendant or personal amulet. The obverse displays the emperor draped and cuirassed, facing frontally while wearing a plumed helmet and holding a cross, accompanied by the Latin legend "dN hERACL-IVS PP AC". The reverse depicts a cross potent on steps, symbolizing the victory at Golgotha, framed by the inscription "VICTORIA AVG" and the mint signature "CONOB", which signifies pure gold from Constantinople.
As a standard solidus, this piece represents the historical monetary constant of the Byzantine Empire. The coin serves as a significant example of how currency was repurposed for ornamental and symbolic use across the Mediterranean and Near East, acting as both portable bullion and a declaration of Christian and imperial allegiance.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 4.5 grams
- Diameter
- 2.1 cm
- Material
- Gold (98% / 23.5k)
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Constantinople
- Mint mark
- CONOB
- Denomination
- Solidus
Design
- Obverse
- Emperor Heraclius I, draped and cuirassed, wearing plumed helmet, holding cross
- Reverse
- Cross potent on steps
- Inscriptions
- dN hERACL-IVS PP AC; VICTORIA AVG; CONOB
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Recorded
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.