Obol - Sancho VI ND

The Obol coin from the Kingdom of Navarre, which was in circulation during the reign of Sancho VI (1150-1194), is interesting because it was made of Billon, a metal alloy that was commonly used in medieval Europe for coinage. Billon is a mixture of silver and other metals, usually copper, and was used to create coins that were more durable and had a lower intrinsic value than pure silver coins. The fact that the Obol coin was made of Billon suggests that it was intended for everyday use and was not a high-value coin. Additionally, the fact that it weighs 0.44 grams indicates that it was a small coin, likely used for small transactions or as change.

• europe
• medieval
• early modern
• modern