Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 415 28 Feb 2018
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Theodosius I, with Arcadius and Honorius. AD 379-395. Æ Exagium Solidi Weight (19mm, 3.94 g, 11h). Constantinople mint. Struck circa AD 402-408. DDD NNN GGG, diademed and draped facing busts of Honorius, Theodosius, and Arcadius respectively / [EXAGIVM] SOLIDI, Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopia. Bendall, Weights 8; RIC X, p. 8. Fair, rough, corroded surfaces with deposits. Rare.
During the later Roman Empire, coin weights began appearing with the legend exagium solidi, a phrase which has often been translated as "the weight (or weighing) of a solidus", in order to deal with the practice of clipping. Exagium derives from the Latin exigere (lit. "to drive out"). However, extant examples of these weights vary and some weigh much less than the 4.5 grams of a full-weight solidus. These lighter weights are thought to possibly represent the lowest acceptable weight for solidi, and were used to withdraw under-weight solidi from circulation and thereby maintain an acceptable weight standard minimum for solidi to circulate at full value.
During the later Roman Empire, coin weights began appearing with the legend exagium solidi, a phrase which has often been translated as "the weight (or weighing) of a solidus", in order to deal with the practice of clipping. Exagium derives from the Latin exigere (lit. "to drive out"). However, extant examples of these weights vary and some weigh much less than the 4.5 grams of a full-weight solidus. These lighter weights are thought to possibly represent the lowest acceptable weight for solidi, and were used to withdraw under-weight solidi from circulation and thereby maintain an acceptable weight standard minimum for solidi to circulate at full value.