Solidus of Maurice Tiberius, Constantinople c. 583 - 601

This is a gold solidus, a coin, produced in Constantinople under the reign of Maurice Tiberius, a pivotal figure in the late Roman Empire. Coins like this one were more than mere currency; they were potent symbols of imperial power, carefully designed to project authority and legitimacy. The portrait of Maurice on one side, adorned with imperial regalia, conveys an image of strength and divine right. The depiction of Victoria, the winged personification of victory, on the reverse, reinforces the idea of a triumphant and enduring empire. Consider how this coin was circulated and exchanged, embodying economic and political power. Think about the people who handled it, from merchants to soldiers. These coins literally put power in the hands of the people.