| 1 obol | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Country |
|
| Value |
1 obol = 1⁄480 livre |
| Years |
c. 1229–1278 |
| Measurements and composition | |
| Mass |
c. 0.6–1 g |
| Composition |
copper |
| Appearance | |
| Shape |
round |
| Obverse | |
| Reverse | |
| v · d · e | |
The 1 obol coin is a circulation coin that was issued by the Principality of Achaea, a former Crusader state located in what is now the Peloponnese of Greece, during the reign of either Prince Geoffrey II (1194–1246), which lasted from about 1229 to 1246, or the regnancy of Prince William II (?–1278), which occurred from 1246 to 1278. It had a value equivalent to 1 obol, or 1⁄480 of a livre, prior to its demonetization.
The coin is composed of copper and generally weighs between 0.6 grams and 1 gram in mass. Featured in the center of the obverse is a cross representing Christianity extending past the circular boundary it is partially enclosed within. Inscribed beyond such a boundary, along the rim, is the Latin legend "G• P• ACCAIE", an abbreviated form of either Galfridus Princeps Achaea (English: "Geoffrey, Prince of Achaea") or Gulielmus Princeps Achaea (English: "William, Prince of Achaea"). This legend commences in a downward direction at the upper right periphery of the piece, arches upward at the bottom, and concludes at the top left rim, and is separated at times by the legs of the cross. What is described as a gate or castle is present in the middle of the reverse. Accompanying it is a cross pattée at the top of the piece and the word "CORIHTVM" (Corihtum), which signifies production at a mint in Corinth, along the rim. The word begins downward in the upper right periphery, to the right of the cross, turns horizontally to the left at the bottom of the piece, and ends to the left of the cross.
References[]
Template:Achaea coins