Definición

• Originally a weight of ancient Greece, and later a silver coin, the one sixth of the Brachm (q.v.). The etymology of the name is uncertain, but the generally accepted theory is that it is derived from ??????, i.e., a spit, or skewer, the appellation given to the earliest iron bar money which was made in this form. The normal weight of the Obol was 0.73 grammes, or 11.25 grains.

  The multiples of the Obol consisted of

  Pentobolon = 5 Oboli

  Tetrobolon = 4 Oboli

  Triobolon = 3 Oboli

  Diobolon = 2 Oboli

  Trihemiobolion = 1 1/2 Oboli

  The divisions of the Obol were the following:

  Tritemorion = 3/4 of the Obol

  Hemiobolion = 1/2 of the Obol

  Trihemitetartemorion = 3/8 of the Obol

  Tetartemorion = 1/4 of the Obol

  Hemitetartemorion = 1/8 of the Obol

  The last named coin was the same as the Chalcus (q.v.). By Roman times the Obol had degenerated into a bronze coin. At Athens the Obol of gold was another name for the gold Hemihecte (q.v.).

  The Obol was the coin which it is said was put in the mouth of deceased persons to pay to Charon for their passage over the Styx. See Naulum.

Fuente

• Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)

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