Roman and Byzantine scale weights are broken into two groups by denomination marks, or the weight of the piece when no marks are visible. Coin weight denominations are in solidus (the standard gold coin from late Roman times) & Nomisma. The table below gives coin weights and their symbols. Most of the weights abbreviate Nomisma with a large N and a small o and follow with a number symbolized by Greek letters. Commercial weight denominatios are in units of Roman pounds (Libra or Ass) and ounces (VNCIA or Uncia). One pounds equals 12 ounces or 72 solidi.
The top pic shows recent acquisitions. From top left: 27 Nomisma, No KZ; 17 Nomisma, No IZ; 12 Nomisma, No IB; 10 Nomisma, No I; 6 Nomisma, No S; 5 Nomisma, Δ; 3 Nomisma, No Γ; 2 Nomisma, No B; 1 Nomisma, No (sometimes shown as No A.
I am not sure of the denomination of the weight marked T. I thought it might be for a light weight solidus, but the weight is heavier than the other N weights.
|
Sol |
Letters |
|
23/24 |
XXIII |
|
1 |
N, NA, T; S, SOL-I |
|
2 |
NB |
|
3 |
NΓ; SOL-III |
|
4 |
NΔ; |
|
5 |
NE; |
|
6 |
NS; S, SOL-VI; SOL- ζ; -I / SOL- ζ |
|
7 |
NZ |
|
8 |
NH |
|
9 |
Nθ |
|
10 |
NI |
|
12 |
NIB |
|
15 |
NIE |
|
17 |
NIZ |
|
18 |
NIH, SOL XςII |
|
20 |
NK |
|
24 |
NKΔ |
|
26 |
NKS |
|
27 |
NKZ |
|
30 |
|
|
36 |
NAS; S-XXXζ |
|
72 |
NOB; SOL LXXII |
