★ the Introducement of the Solidus Denomination ★

Constantine I, AD 307-337. AV Solidus. (18,2 mm. 4,43 g.). Ticinum. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head right. Rev. CONCORDIA AVGG NN, Concordia seated left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left arm. Mintmark SMT. RIC VII 101; Alföldi 13a; Depeyrot 17/1. Ex Numismatik Naumann 136, lot 735. An importan initial issue as one of the first coins of this kind- the Solidus (this short text will focus only on the solidus but not on all nominals from the reform). After the significant monetary reform of Constantine I the 'Great' who introduced it as a replacement of the Aureus after continued devaluation of this emblematic roman nominal during almost a century. Being reduced permanently from the previous emperors Constantine I decided to fix it of 1/72 of a pound or about 4,4 grams. Solidus remained stable during many more centuries and became the standart and main gold denomination for the Byzantine empire. A few insignificant scratches, otherwise Extremely Fine with very determined portrait of Constantine I the 'Great'. Of a higest rarity.