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Sou
A solidus (the latin word for solid) was originally a gold coin issued by the Romans. It was introduced by Constantine I in the 4th century AD, and was used through the Byzantine Empire until the 10th century AD.
At the time of it's introduction it replaced the aureus, and was worth 1/72nd of a libra (coin) (Roman Pound).
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 the sol was the name for a 12 denier coin, 1/20th of the Livre Tournois (Tournoise Pound). After decimalisation in France, the sou became the name for a a 5 centime coin, 1/20th of the French Franc.
United Kingdom
Until decimalisation in the United Kingdom, the letter s, from solidus, was used to represent a shilling, worth 1/20th of a Pound Sterling.
See also
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