Obole of Louis VII

The obole of Louis VII, weighing in at under a gram, was small enough to vanish into the folds of a medieval purse, yet it greased the wheels of trade during his crusading years.

These silver bits were struck at various French mints, probably including Paris, though the exact locations remain murky. One side often bore a simple cross, the other the king's name or monogram, reflecting the era's blend of piety and power.

No one knows how many were produced; archives from that time are as scarce as the coins themselves. If you're handling one, check for wear—most saw heavy use before they disappeared.

Some collectors swear these tiny pieces bring good luck, but that's just another myth I've tired of debunking.