© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Obol - Charles II Chartres
| Silver | 0.70 g | - |
| Issuer | Kingdom of West Francia (Carolingian Empire) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles II the Bald (843-877) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 864-875 |
| Value | 1 Obol (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound (840-987) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.70 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#342988 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Cross in a beaded circle, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ CΛRN◊TIS CIVITΛS
Translation: City of Chartres.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Obol coin is that it was used as a form of currency during a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in the Carolingian Empire, which was a period of Renaissance in Western Europe during the 8th and 9th centuries. The coin features an image of Charles II (also known as Charles the Bald) on one side and an image of a cross on the other, symbolizing the influence of Christianity during this time. Despite its small size, the Obol was an important part of everyday transactions and played a significant role in the economy of the empire.
