Solidus (coin)
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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 its introduction it replaced the aureus and was worth 1/72 of a libra (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 sol was the name for a 12-denier coin, 1/20 of the livre tournois (Tournois pound). After decimalization in France, the sou became the name for a a five-centime coin, 1/20 of the French franc.United Kingdom
Until decimalization in the United Kingdom, the letter s, from solidus, was used to represent a shilling, worth 1/20 of a pound sterling.