Currencies/French obole
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Introduction
The French Obole was a small medieval coin used in France from the 11th to the 15th century, valued at half a denier. It represented one of the smallest denominations in the French monetary system and was widely circulated for minor transactions in markets, fairs, and local trade.
History
The Obole originated during the Carolingian period, as a fractional denomination of the denier, the principal silver coin introduced under Charlemagne (8th–9th century). By the 11th century, distinct obole coins were being struck in various French territories, including the County of Melgueil and Paris, where they served as essential low-value currency.
During the reign of Charles VI (1380–1422), the Obole tournois was a standard issue, continuing the long tradition of half-denier coinage.
The coin’s small size and low silver content reflected the economic needs of medieval France, where everyday trade relied heavily on petty coinage.
By the 15th century, the obole gradually disappeared as the French monetary system centralized around the livre tournois, and larger denominations became dominant.
Coins
The Obole was generally minted in billon (a silver-copper alloy) or low-grade silver, weighing less than one gram.
Typical features included
Metal Billon or silver
Weight Approximately 0.7–0.8 g
Value ½ denier
Mints Commonly issued at Paris, Melgueil, and other regional mints
Designs
Obverse Featured the name, monogram, or crowned bust of the reigning king.
Reverse Displayed a cross pattée, fleur-de-lis, or mint symbol, surrounded by a Latin inscription or mint legend.
The Obole tournois of Charles VI, struck between 1393 and 1422, is among the best-known surviving examples.
Currency
Within the livre–sou–denier system of medieval France, the Obole held the smallest fractional value:
1 livre = 20 sous (sols)
1 sou = 12 deniers
1 denier = 2 oboles
This made the obole the foundation of everyday commerce, used by peasants, artisans, and local merchants for small purchases, offerings, and tolls. Though minor in value, it played an essential role in maintaining liquidity in France’s medieval economy.
Legacy
The French Obole stands as one of the earliest examples of small-change coinage in France. It demonstrates the complexity of medieval monetary systems and the importance of low-value coins for daily economic life. While the obole ceased to circulate after the 15th century, its influence endured in accounting and terminology, reflecting the structure of the Carolingian monetary model that shaped French currency for centuries.