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Obol Massalia Imitation
| Issuer | Massalia |
|---|---|
| Year | 120 BC - 82 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A wheel or cruciform pattern formed by two intersecting lines creating four quadrants, each quadrant filled with a broad flat spoke, evoking the standard four-spoked wheel type derived from Massalian drachm reverses. The Greek letters M and A appear in the lower two quadrants, crudely incised and partially legible. The execution is angular and irregular, consistent with a barbaric imitation of the Massalian civic type. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | MA (Translation: Massalia) |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Massalia — the Greek colony at modern Marseille — produced obols in enormous quantities to facilitate small-denomination trade across southern Gaul, and local Celtic mints quickly began copying them. These imitations circulated interchangeably with the originals throughout the Rhône corridor, and distinguishing struck fakes from official issues occupied ancient merchants no more than it occupied Roman administrators, who largely ignored the distinction. The date range coincides with Rome's annexation of Gallia Narbonensis in 121 BC, which disrupted but did not end indigenous monetary production in the region.