Obol - Conrad I Lyon mint

Historical Context: This obol was issued under Conrad I, King of Arles (or Burgundy), reigning 937-993, with this type dated 942-979. The Kingdom of Arles was a significant post-Carolingian entity, encompassing parts of modern France and Switzerland. Minted in Lyon, a crucial economic center, this small denomination reflects 10th-century Europe's decentralized power. Kings like Conrad asserted authority through mint control, facilitating daily commerce amidst evolving feudal structures and local autonomy. Such coinage was vital for local transactions in an era of limited central administration.

Artistry: The anonymous, likely local, engraver followed the simplified aesthetic of 10th-century coinage. Designs typically feature a prominent cross, often potent with expanded terminals, on one side. The reverse commonly displays a stylized monogram or abbreviated legend identifying Conrad I or the Lyon mint. The minute flan (0.45 gg) necessitated a minimalist approach, prioritizing clear, rudimentary symbolic representations over intricate detail, reflecting its practical function. The style is characteristic of early medieval regional issues, emphasizing legibility of core symbols over artistic sophistication.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a low-grade silver alloy, this obol often presents a dark, granular surface. Its minute module (0.45 gg) frequently results in an irregular flan and an incomplete strike. Key high-points for preservation include the cross's center and extremities, and any monogrammatic points. Primitive hammer-striking often caused off-center strikes, weak areas, and partially legible legends. A well-centered example with clear devices and a complete legend is rare, signifying a superior technical strike for this challenging early medieval type.