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