The Early Byzantine coins and seals
  Early Byzantine coins were minted in gold, silver and copper alloys, the most common of them being the gold coin, known as the solidus (or nomisma in Greek), and a variety of denominations of copper, namely the follis and its fractions, which were used in every day transactions. The typical Early Byzantine solidus bears an image of the reigning emperor on the obverse. This is usually a bust, with an inscription giving the emperor's name and titles. A co-emperor (a son or brother), a seated figure of Constantinople, an angel or a Victory carrying a cross or a cross on steps, are occasionally shown on the reverse (religious figures, such as the Virgin and Christ become more common in the Middle Byzantine period). Style and iconography similar to that of coinage is found on the seals, usually made of lead, that were used to authenticate important documents by emperors, as well as religious and state officials. Here, the abbreviated name (monogram) of the person issuing the seal is present on the obverse.