Solidus

Cleveland Museum of Art

Solidus by Constantine the Great. Two gold coins are shown side by side on a gray background. The coin on the left has a raised image of a man's head facing forward with a helmet on. The helmet has a transverse crest and a wide face guard that covers the neck. The man's face is framed by hair that hangs in three strands on each side. There is a ring of small dots around the edge of the coin. There are letters around the top half of the coin's edge and more letters on the bottom half. The coin on the right shows a figure standing. The figure wears a long dress with a cloak over it. The figure holds a spear in the right hand and a globe in the left hand. The globe is topped with a cross. The figure's right leg is bent in front of the left leg. The figure wears a cross on the head. There are letters around the edge. Both coins are gold-colored. The coins are circular. The coins have a textured surface. The coin on the left has a smooth rim. The coin on the right has a raised rim.