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Obol - Louis IV Langres mint
| Issuer | Kingdom of West Francia |
|---|---|
| Year | 936-954 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Obol (1⁄480) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central field bears a stylized Carolingian monogram composed of interlaced letters forming the name HLVDOVVICVS, enclosed within a single inner circle. The monogram is rendered in the debased, schematic style characteristic of late Carolingian hammered coinage. The surrounding legend, interrupted by a cross pattée at the start, reads HLVDOVVICVS RX (King Louis), disposed around the periphery in capital Latin letters. The overall die work is crude and irregular, reflecting the provincial character of the Langres mint during the reign of Louis IV d'Outremer. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central field displays a stylized temple or church façade, rendered schematically in the Carolingian tradition, representing the episcopal city of Langres. The design features a simplified architectural motif with rudimentary columns or pilasters, typical of the civitas reverse type employed at ecclesiastical mints of the period. The circumferential legend, introduced by a cross pattée, reads LINCONIS CVTS (City of Langres), inscribed in capital Latin letters around the periphery. The strike is irregular and the flan shows characteristic flan cracks and uneven surface consistent with hand-hammered production at a provincial Frankish mint. |
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| Additional information |
Louis IV, called "d'Outremer" — from overseas — was fetched from England in 936 where his mother had kept him in exile since his father's murder. His reign was defined by near-continuous warfare with Hugh the Great, who controlled more of West Francia in practice than the king ever did. The Langres mint operated under episcopal authority throughout this period, which is why small silver fractional pieces like this obol survived the political turbulence: the bishop's mint answered to Rome as much as to any Carolingian claimant.