Obverse © pimmy (CC BY-NC-SA) – Reverse © Quiquengrogne
Obverse © pimmy (CC BY-NC-SA) – Reverse © Quiquengrogne
Obol immobilized in the name of Centule ND
| Billon | 0.39 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Lordship of Béarn (French States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1080-1250 |
| Value | 1 Obol (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.39 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#108038 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 78% |
Reverse
PA✠ framing a triangle.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PAX
✠ ONOR FORCAS
Translation: Peace; Right to Gallows.
Comment
Centule III (1012-1058) received from the Duke of Aquitaine Sancho the Great the sovereignty of the country and usurped the right of coinage.In reality, the production of coins (obols and deniers) did not begin before 1080 under Centule IV (1058-1088) who took the name of count. Centul V died in 1134. However, coinage continued for nearly 200 years.
"[The inscription] (H)ONOR FORCAS (or FORQVIE) is the affirmation of the right to Gallows, or of high and medium justice, of the viscounts of Béarn. [...] It is later in time that, from the existence of these apparatuses of criminal jurisdiction, the castle took the name of castle of Fourquie and finally of Hourquie".
"[We must] take the term PAX in its primitive and concrete sense of "Social Peace", of "Material Order", assured over the entire surface of the viscount's domain. Understood in this way, it is quite natural that it be followed the affirmation or rather the reminder of what was the guarantee of this Peace, of this Order: the right of high justice, HONOR FORCAS, the right to Gallows, manifestation of the repressive power of the viscounts, sovereigns of Béarn.
On the meaning of the words “PAX” and “HONOR” on Béarn coins, by M. Deloche.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil in the Lordship of Béarn, which was a small state in the Pyrenees mountains that was constantly struggling for independence from its larger neighbors. Despite this, the coinage of Béarn during this period was known for its high quality and beauty, and the Obol coin is a prime example of this. Its intricate design and craftsmanship are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the mint masters of the time.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (1080-1250) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Obol immobilized in the name of Centule ND (1080-1250) coin.
