How to Identify the Solidus of Honorius

Start with the obverse legend, because late Roman portraits are stylized and one diademed emperor looks much like another. On a solidus of Honorius the legend usually reads D N HONORIVS P F AVG around a pearl-diademed bust. Confirming the name in the legend is the single most reliable way to attribute the coin to Honorius rather than a contemporary such as Arcadius, Theodosius II, or Valentinian III.

Next read the reverse. The observed type shows an armored standing figure holding a spear and shield; late Western solidi commonly pair this military imagery with a legend such as VICTORIA AVGGG. Look closely at the letters beside the figure and in the exergue — these are mint and control marks. An exergue reading COMOB or CONOB signals imperial gold, while flanking letters such as R V (Ravenna), M D (Milan), or R M (Rome) tell you the mint. These marks narrow the issue far more precisely than the portrait alone.

Check the physical specifications. A genuine solidus is a thin, broad flan of high-purity gold, about 20-21 mm in diameter and close to 4.5 grams. It should have the warm, untarnished color of gold and feel dense for its size. Significant deviation in weight or diameter, a pale or coppery tone, or a coin that feels light are all reasons for caution.

Watch for look-alikes and fakes. Solidi of the other emperors of this era share the same formats, so always verify the name in the legend. Modern counterfeits include cast copies with soft, mushy detail, gilded base-metal forgeries, and tooled or repaired coins. Edge or surface mount marks indicate former jewelry use and reduce both authenticity confidence and value.

Because ancient gold is heavily faked and valuable, do not rely on a seller's photo or description alone. For any meaningful purchase, obtain independent authentication from a specialist in ancient coins, confirm weight and diameter, and cross-check the exact type and mint against recent auction records.