Obol anonymous AVTSIODER CI
| Issuer | Auxerre, County of |
|---|---|
| Year | 900-1150 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Obol (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Livre tournois |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.7 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | PA#5883 |
| Obverse description | Cross. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
✠ AVTSIODER CI (Translation: City of Auxerre.) |
| Reverse description | Cross. Three pellets between the two beaded circles. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (900-1000) - (fr) Croix fine. - ND (1000-1150) - (fr) Croix épaisse. - |
| Numisquare ID | 1354271260 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This anonymous obol from Auxerre, struck 900-1150, exemplifies medieval France's decentralized power. During the High Middle Ages, coinage rights were often exercised by powerful feudal lords, including the Counts and Bishops of Auxerre. The inscription "AVTSIODER CI," abbreviating "AUTISIODORUM CIVITAS," emphasizes the city's identity and autonomy. As a small silver denomination, the obol was vital for daily transactions, reflecting a functioning local economy and need for petty currency.
Artistry: The artistic execution is characteristic of early medieval numismatics, prioritizing legibility and symbolic function. No specific engraver is identifiable; the stylistic school is distinctly Romanesque, marked by simplified forms. The design typically features a central cross on one side, accompanied by the mint name "AVTSIODER CI" on the other. The diminutive 17mm flan necessitates a compact design, focusing on essential elements for origin and value