Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 535 29 Mar 2023
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Theodosius I, with Arcadius and Honorius. AD 379-395. Æ Exagium Solidi Weight (20.5mm, 4.25 g, 11h). Constantinople mint. Struck circa late 4th century. Diademed and draped facing busts of Honorius, Theodosius, and Arcadius / Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopia. Bendall, Weights 8; RIC X, p. 8. Dark brown and earthen patina, attempted piercing, some light smoothing. VF. Rare.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Superior (3 December 1999), lot 1821.
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 g of a full-weight solidus. These lighter weights are thought to possibly represent the lowest acceptable weight for aurei, 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.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Superior (3 December 1999), lot 1821.
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 g of a full-weight solidus. These lighter weights are thought to possibly represent the lowest acceptable weight for aurei, 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.