Catalog
| Issuer | Hungary |
|---|---|
| Year | 1235-1270 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Obol (Obulus) (1/2) |
| Currency | Denier (997-1310) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.40 g |
| Diameter | 9.60 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | ÉH#214, H#296, EK I#18/2, CAC III#22.25 |
| Obverse description | Agnus dei, God`s lamb with a cross right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
+ REX VNGARIE (Translation: King of Hungary) |
| Reverse description | Crowned monarch with orb in right hand, scepter in left |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1235-1270) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1011763080 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver obol was issued during the pivotal reign of Béla IV (1235-1270), a transformative period for Hungary. Béla faced the devastating Mongol invasion (1241-1242), subsequently earning the epithet "Second Founder of the State" through extensive rebuilding. This small denomination was crucial for daily commerce in a recovering realm, reflecting post-Mongol Hungary's economic necessities.
Artistry: The artistry of this obol, typical for its era, reflects general minting practices, not a specific engraver. Stylistically, it belongs to the late Romanesque/early Gothic transition, characterized by simplified, symbolically potent designs. Given the diminutive flan, the obverse likely features a prominent cross, often a patriarchal or double cross, common in Hungarian coinage. The reverse typically bears a stylized royal monogram or simple letter, representing the king or mint, executed with functional clarity.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 0.40 grams and measuring 9.60 millimeters, this obol exemplifies medieval minting. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strike include the cross center, monogram extremities, and outer legends. Due to manual hammer striking, examples often exhibit irregular flans, off-center strikes, and flatness. A premium is placed on specimens with a relatively round flan, well-centered strike, and discernible details, particularly the central devices, which are frequently incomplete or softly rendered.