Obol - Charles II (Chelles monastery) (864-875) front Obol - Charles II (Chelles monastery) (864-875) back
Obol - Charles II (Chelles monastery) (864-875) photo
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica

Obol - Charles II Chelles monastery

 
Silver 0.77 g -
Description
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
0.77 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#342913
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Cross in a beaded circle, legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: ✠ KLΛ MNTR

Translation: Monastery of Chelles.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Obol coin is that it was used as a form of currency during a time of great economic and political change in Europe, particularly during the Carolingian Renaissance. The coin was issued during the reign of Charles II, also known as Charles the Bald, who was the king of West Francia and the Holy Roman Emperor. Despite being made of silver, the Obol coin was not widely used for international trade due to its relatively low value. Instead, it was primarily used for local transactions and was often used as a form of payment for small goods and services. Despite its limited use, the Obol coin remains an important piece of history and a symbol of the economic and political changes that took place during the Carolingian era.