Solidus of Maurice Tiberius, Antioch c. 582 - 602

This is a Solidus coin of Maurice Tiberius, likely crafted in Antioch, during his reign as Byzantine Emperor from 582 to 602 AD. Weighing a mere 4.45 grams, this gold coin is a potent symbol of imperial power and identity in a fractured world. On one side, we see the emperor himself, his visage striking a balance between divinity and earthly authority. This imagery, deeply rooted in Roman tradition, served to legitimize his rule. The reverse features a victorious angel, reinforcing the notion of divine favor and military might. But beyond its symbolic value, the Solidus also speaks to the economic realities of the Byzantine Empire. It facilitated trade, paid soldiers, and funded public works. As such, it played a crucial role in maintaining social order and projecting imperial influence across a vast and diverse territory. This coin reminds us of the human desires, fears, and aspirations that have always driven our economies.