Solidus (coin)
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The name solidus had previously been used by Diocletian (284-305) for the gold coin that he introduced, which is different from the solidus introduced by Constantine. The coin was struck at a theoretical value of 1/72 of a Roman pound (about 4.5 grams). Solidi were wider and thinner than the aureus, with the exception of some dumpy issues from the Byzantine Empire. The weight and fineness of the solidus remained relatively constant throughout its long production, with few exceptions. Fractions of the solidus known as semisses (half-solidi) and tremissis (one-third solidi) were also produced.
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Impact on world currencies
Variations on the word solidus gave rise to a number of currency units:
Peru
The current currency of Peru, is the sol.
France
In France the sol was the name for a 12-denier coin, 1/20 of the livre tournois (Tournois pound). After decimalization in France, the sou became the name for a a five-centime coin, 1/20 of the French franc.
United Kingdom
Until decimalization in the United Kingdom, the letter s, from solidus, was used to represent a shilling, worth 1/20 of a pound sterling.
See also