{"product_id":"byzantine-solidus-small-historical-replica-coin","title":"Byzantine Solidus – Small Historical Replica Coin","description":"\u003cp\u003eA small coin with a connection to a much larger medieval world. This gold-colored Byzantine solidus replica offers a hands-on starting point for exploring imperial currency and the Norse connection to Byzantium. Minted in Europe with the size and feel of the original.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe history behind the solidus\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe solidus was a gold coin of the later Roman and Byzantine empires, also known in the Byzantine world as the nomisma. Established as a major currency under Constantine the Great in the early fourth century, it remained an influential monetary standard for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow the original was used\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe historical solidus was valuable money used for substantial payments and commerce, rather than small everyday change. Its long-standing gold standard made it important within the empire and in exchange beyond its borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe Viking connection\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Byzantine Empire's history also intersects with the Norse world. Scandinavian warriors served Byzantine emperors, most famously in the Varangian Guard, formally established under Basil II in 988. This provides a wider historical connection between Byzantine currency and the world of Viking-age travel and military service. It does not mean this replica represents a Viking-minted coin or that the particular issue pictured has been confirmed as a Varangian payment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe design\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne side shows a single crowned imperial figure holding a cross-topped object; the other shows two crowned figures. The specific rulers and issue date represented by this replica have not been confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eYour replica\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne small modern Byzantine solidus replica coin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold-colored appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinted in Europe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade with the size and feel of the original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImperial figures on both sides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA compact addition to a historical replica collection or a teaching aid for exploring Byzantine and Viking-age connections. This is a modern reproduction, not an original ancient or medieval coin. Gold-colored describes appearance only, not gold content or plating. Historical references to gold describe the original currency.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Lost Archives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49879009329307,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0768\/2877\/0459\/files\/image_d4a2f5ca-4be0-4b60-b76e-835c4cf3fac1.png?v=1792589194","url":"https:\/\/lostarchives.gallery\/products\/byzantine-solidus-small-historical-replica-coin","provider":"The Lost Archives","version":"1.0","type":"link"}