The value of the Seuso treasure

The silver vessels of the Seuso treasure were in their genre the top pieces of contemporary craftsmanship, which was also reflected in their price. Half their value at that time included their precious metal content, while the other half expressed the artistic quality of their silversmith craftsmanship. The total weight of the silver vessels amounts to 68.5 kilograms. The late imperial total value of the set can be estimated by doubling that, which corresponds to approximately 9.1 kilograms of gold. From this quantity of gold 2040 gold coins (solidi) could be minted, the equivalent of 226 years of income for a lower ranking clerk or a cavalry soldier. However, an average large estate with an annual income of 1500–2000 solidi could produce the value of such a silver set in just a few years. In the 4th–5th centuries, a military coat, 350 litres of wheat, 88 kilograms of beef or 109 litres of wine could be bought for a single solidus.

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