© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Obol - Louis I Melle mint; minting tools
| Silver | 0.85 g | - |
| Issuer | Unified Carolingian Empire |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Louis the Pious (Hludovicus) (814-840) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 814-818 |
| Value | 1 Obol (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound (751-843) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.85 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#343655 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minting tools, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ METΛLLVM
Unabridged legend: METALLUM
Translation: Melle.
Comment
The choice of striking tools for the type of the reverse alludes to the silver mines of Melle, famous in the Middle Ages, and to the workshop which was installed on site.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Obol coin is that it was minted during the reign of Louis I, also known as Louis the Pious, who was the son of Charlemagne and succeeded him as the King of the Franks in 813. Louis I was known for his religious devotion and his efforts to maintain the unity of the Carolingian Empire, which was established by his father. The Obol coin was likely used for everyday transactions and was a symbol of the economic and political power of the Carolingian Empire during this time.
