Solidus of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine
Unknown Artist
629–631
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Overall: 13/16 x 1/16 in. (2.1 x 0.1 cm)
Classification
Coins
Culture
Byzantine
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
Accession Number
04.2.821
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Byzantine wonders in our Medieval Art collection! This exquisite *Solidus of Heraclius Heraclius Constantine*, between 629 and 631, is a testament to imperial power. Crafted from pure gold, this tiny coin—measuring just 13/16 x 1/16 inches—features the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius (r. 610–641) alongside his son and co-emperor, Heraclius Constantine. Struck with remarkable precision, the obverse likely shows the senior emperor in profile, crowned and robed, while the reverse bears a cross-on-steps, symbolizing Christian triumph. Historically, this solidus emerged from a pivotal e...