Imitation of the solid of Anastasius

The fall of the Roman Empire (476) did not bring significant changes in minting. Barbarian rulers minted coins according to the same monetary system, with similar iconography. After conquering Italy, Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths (471-526), modelled himself on Byzantine issues. The system based on the solidus (Latin solidus - durable, solid) remained stable in the 4th-10th centuries. The presented coin is an imitation of the solidus of Emperor Anastasius I (491-518). The original has been very carefully copied, both in terms of iconographic details and inscriptions. Byzantine solidus in the early period generally differed little from Roman coins. The front side was dominated by frontal images of rulers, which allowed complete visualisation of the diadem as the most crucial insignia of his power. The reverses were still dominated by images of ancient pagan deities, gradually replaced by Christian symbols. Emperor Anastasius is depicted wearing a helmet and a diadem composed of two rows of pearls with a medallion in the middle on the presented solidus. A vital element of this military portrait was the armour and the attributes of power, a spear and a shield. The Latin legend was down to the Emperor's name and title: D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG (Our Lord Anastasius the Unchanging Augustus). On the reverse, the standing figure of Victoria with a cross, made up a coherent message - a sovereign ruler able to defend his subjects and ensure their welfare. The legend VICTORIA AVCCC (Victory of Augusta) has the dimension of a propaganda slogan. The episode featured the mint mark: CON (Constantinople) and the highest gold sample OB (obryziacum). The presented specimen was found in Laski in the Białogard District and is a testimony to the relations of barbarian peoples with the Byzantine Empire (tribute, booty). For the local community, it was a valuable source of raw material for making ornaments.

Genowefa Horoszko