OBOLUS, an ancient silver money of Athens, the VOL. VII.
sixth part of a drachma; worth somewhat more than penny-farthing Sterling.—The word comes from the Greek ὀβολός, of ὀβολός, "spit, or broach;" either because it bore such an impression; or because, according to Eustachius, it was in form thereof. But those now in the cabinets of the antiquaries are round.