Find the best Byzantine gold solidus coin options for collectors and investors who value historical authenticity, condition, and grade. This guide compares five carefully selected coins, highlighting who each piece suits best, potential limitations, and why it stands out. Whether you’re building a medieval empire collection or seeking a bright, long-term store of value, these selections provide clear, buyer-friendly details to help you decide.
Summary table of chosen products:
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TR 946-959 AD Byzantine Solidus | Advanced collectors | Early medieval period; authenticated NGC grade | Very high collectability may limit liquidity |
| TR 945-959 AD Byzantine Solidus | Historical enthusiasts | Distinct Christian obverse; authenticated | Limited issue window |
| TR 1071-1078 AD Michael VII Follis | Medieval empire enthusiasts | Iconic Bearded Christ reverse; long dynasty span | Follis denomination, different size value |
| Byzantine Antiquities Scale Coin Set | Display and study | Includes multiple Byzantine pieces and related pieces | Not a single solidus focus |
| French Gold Rooster 1899-1914 | Cross-collectors | Quality gold with certificate; diverse vintage | Not Byzantine |
TR 946-959 AD Byzantine Empire Solidus — NGC Ch XF
Features: Authentic 946-959 AD medieval gold solidus coin from the Byzantine Empire. Professionally authenticated and graded in choice extremely fine (Ch XF). Obverse depicts Jesus Christ; Reverse shows Constantine VII and Romanus II.
Best for: Advanced collectors seeking a well-documented early medieval solidus with strong authentication and a clear kingly-religious iconography. The combination of obverse and reverse design supports scholarly interest and display value.
Why selected: This piece represents a pivotal period of Byzantine coinage with clear historical alignment and a high-grade presentation that is attractive for display and research. The authentication helps ensure market credibility.
Caution: The Ch XF grade indicates excellent condition but may still show minor handling marks; verify preservation state with the registrar’s documentation for precise details.
TR 945-959 AD Byzantine Solidus — NGC Ch XF
Features: 945-959 AD medieval gold solidus from the Byzantine Empire. Professionally authenticated and graded in choice extremely fine (Ch XF). Obverse features Jesus Christ.
Best for: Collectors prioritizing a slightly later but still early medieval solidus, with a religious iconography common to imperial issues, and strong authentication for reliability.
Why selected: The narrow date window offers a precise historical snapshot, and the Ch XF grade makes it a solid display piece with limited risk of decorative wear obscuring details.
Caution: With the emphasis on religious imagery, some buyers prefer coins with broader historical context; this piece favors iconography and provenance.
TR 1071-1078 AD Michael VII Follis — Medieval Coin
Features: 1071-1078 AD Byzantine coin minted under Michael VII Doukas. Obverse shows a bearded Christ facing between two stars with a cross behind, holding a book. Reverse depicts Emperor Michael VII wearing loros and crown, holding a globe cruciger and labarum.
Best for: Those seeking a representative Michael VII issue with strong iconography and a detailed obverse/reverse set that illustrates imperial symbolism.
Why selected: The coin captures a distinctive era within the late Byzantine period and provides a visually rich example of imperial propaganda through numismatic art.
Caution: Follis coins of this era vary in size and weight; verify the exact strike and diameter for academic or collection purposes before purchase.
NEW Digital Tabletop Scale 6.6 lb — Byzantine Antiquities Kit
Features: High-quality strain gauge load cell system ensuring accuracy within the full 5000 g range. Metal support and durable ABS housing. Provides accurate weights even when loads are off-center.
Best for: Collectors who digitize or weigh metal artifacts alongside coins and small relics, wanting precise measurements in a compact device.
Why selected: While not a coin itself, this scale supports careful evaluation and cataloging of precious-metal pieces within a Byzantine collection, including solidi and related artifacts.
Caution: This is a general-use scale; ensure calibration and matte protection to avoid scratches on delicate artifacts.
1899-1914 French Gold Rooster Coin — Brilliant Uncirculated
Features: Purity .900 fine gold; metal content 0.1867 troy ounces; diameter 21 mm; thickness 1.4 mm. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Best for: Buyers building a multi-era precious-metal collection, especially those expanding beyond Byzantine pieces to include classic European gold issues.
Why selected: Combines reliable gold content with certificate-backed authenticity, offering a solid diversification option within a precious-metal portfolio.
Caution: Not a Byzantine coin; place this piece in a broader collection category to avoid misclassification in a strictly Byzantine-focused display.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing Byzantine gold solidus coins
- Authenticity and grade: Look for third-party authentication like NGC or ICCF and a clear grade. Higher grades often command premium but improve liquidity and display appeal.
- Historical period: Early solidi (5th–7th centuries) appeal to historians and advanced collectors, while later issues cover broader imperial narratives. Pick a period that matches your collecting goals.
- Condition and wear: Grading is crucial. Ch XF indicates excellent condition with minor signs of wear, while lower grades may show more circulation marks but can be more accessible for new collectors.
- Iconography and reverse design: Obverse and reverse motifs (Christ, emperors, cross symbols) add scholarly value and aesthetic appeal. Consider pieces whose designs align with your display preferences.
- Provenance and documentation: Coins with clear provenance and certificates support long-term value and easier future verification.
- Display considerations: For display, ensure you have appropriate holders or display cases, especially for rare or high-grade pieces.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a solidus? Answer: The solidus was a gold coin used in the Byzantine Empire, often issued in various weights and designs from the late antiquity period onward.
- Why are some Byzantine coins graded? Answer: Grading provides a standardized assessment of condition, which affects rarity, value, and marketability to buyers and collectors.
- What should I verify before buying a Byzantine solidus online? Answer: Confirm authenticity, grade, provenance, and whether the coin comes with official documentation or certs from recognized grading services.
- Are non-Byzantine gold coins appropriate for a Byzantine collection? Answer: They can broaden a precious-metal collection, but for a focused Byzantine collection, prioritize genuine Byzantine issues and related artifacts.
- How does coin provenance affect value? Answer: Clear provenance reduces uncertainty and can add to a coin’s desirability among collectors and investors.
- What is the best way to store gold coins? Answer: Use protective capsules or mounts, keep them in a cool, dry place, and limit handling to preserve surfaces.