Solidus

602–610
Not on view
Coins are important to historians because they generally provide valuable information about the date of their issue, place where they were struck, and details about the political structure. This solidus, or gold coin, was made in Constantinople during the reign of the controversial Byzantine emperor Phocas (602–10). The obverse (or front) features a representation of the bearded emperor holding a cross and wearing a crown, while the reverse includes a depiction of an angel holding symbols associated with Christ.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Solidus
  • Date: 602–610
  • Culture: Early Byzantine
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: Overall: 13/16 x 1/16 in. (2.1 x 0.1 cm)
  • Classification: Coins
  • Credit Line: Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.35.3356
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.