Solidus of Theophilos
A Byzantine gold coin with a frontal bust of Emperor Theophilos holding a cross, the face of the last emperor of the 9th-century Iconoclast era. Full commentary ↓
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Solidus of Theophilos is a metal object by an unknown maker (829–843) in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In the pictureThis is a greatly enlarged photograph of a gold coin resting on blue cloth. A crowned, bearded emperor faces forward holding a cross-topped staff in one hand, and the Greek words "Theophilos Basileus" run around the edge. The surface of the coin still shows traces of being struck.
BackgroundThe solidus, introduced by Constantine the Great, was Byzantium's standard gold coin, keeping its weight and purity for more than 700 years and serving as the dollar of the medieval Mediterranean world. Theophilos (reigned 829–843) was the last emperor to ban the veneration of icons, and also a patron of learning and architecture. A gold coin just 2cm across carried the emperor's face and name throughout the empire.
Puzzle tipThe round outline of the coin and the blue background are clearly separated. Assemble the emperor's face and the cross first, then connect the edge lettering pieces around the circle. Fill the blue background last. 48 pieces is a good fit.
- Culture
- Byzantine
- Classification
- Metalwork-Coins
- Medium
- Gold
- Dimensions
- 75 x .77 in. (19.1 x 19.6 mm)
- Credit line
- Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art ↗
Stories about this work
- A Close Look at Four Byzantine Gold Coins, 2cm Across, as Puzzles
Enlarge a fingernail-sized gold coin and you can see the emperor's face, the lettering and the mint mark. The site's four Byzantine gold coins, with tips for coin puzzles.
