1. Artemide Aste
  2. Artemide LXII (26-27 Oct. 2024)
  3. The Roman Empire
Unmodified Exagium Solidi
Lot 568:
Theodosius I, with Arcadius and Honorius. AE Exagium Solidi Weight. Constantinople mint, 402-408. Obv. . DDD NNN GGG. Diademed and draped facing busts of Honorius, Theodosius, and Arcadius respectively. Rev. EXAGIVM SOLIDI. Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae; wreath between palm branches in exergue. RIC X p. 8; Bendall, Byzantine Weights 9; Sabatier 8; Cf. Göbl, Antike 228-9. AE. 3.99 g. 21 mm. RR. A choice example, of excellent style. Light adjustment marks on reverse; unaltered by piercing or plugging, very rare thus. Lovely even deep brown patina. About EF/About VF. Official solidus weights were introduced with Julian's law in AD 363, which mandated the appointment of a zygostates—an official responsible for weighing solidi in each city. This measure aimed to restore trust in the solidus, which had been frequently clipped. The term 'exagium' comes from the Latin word 'exigere,' meaning 'to drive out,' specifically referring to the removal of underweight solidi to ensure a consistent weight standard essential for the circulation of imperial gold coins at their full value. Many of these exagia often have holes or plugs added to achieve the correct weight, making unaltered exagia quite rare.
Start price € 1000
Realized price € 1500