obols

As the cubit consisted of six palms, they made the drachma, which they used as their unit, consist in the same way of six bronze coins, like our _asses_, which they call obols; and, to correspond to the fingers, divided the drachma into twenty-four quarter-obols, which some call dichalca others trichalca.

The Ten Books on Architecture Vitruvius Pollio

Two obols and a bottle of hope is not enough for Obama to win the prize. — cluppins

The Early Word: Veep in Waiting - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com 2008

“The Aeginetan stater weighed about 196 grains, rather more than two of our shillings, and was divided into two drachms of 98 grains, each of which contained six obols of about 16 grains each.”

Hellenica 2007

KORITTO: Yes, and I would have, but Bitas slave girl commenced grinding in the court, just at the wrong moment; she has reduced our hand mill nearly to powder by grinding day and night for fear she might have four obols to pay for having her own sharpened.

Satyricon 2007

But for a sound investment31 I know of nothing comparable with the initial outlay to form this fund. 32 Any one whose contribution amounts to ten minae33 may look forward to a return as high as he would get on bottomry, of nearly one-fifth,34 as the recipient of three obols a day.

Ways and Means 2007

After this the pay was raised to four instead of three obols, as it hitherto had been.

Hellenica 2007

(Theramenes, not being himself admiral, but only taking charge of the ships which he was to hand over to Astyochus, took no interest in the matter of the pay), he promised to each man a payment of somewhat more than three obols, reckoning the total sum paid to every five ships.

The History of the Peloponnesian War Thucydides 2007

At the entrance to a showman's travelling booth, a blind Christian slave, for four obols

Satyricon 2007

A small Chian coin of which the exact value is unknown: if it amounted to 1/40th of the gold stater (20 drachmae) it would be worth 3 obols, 4d.

The History of the Peloponnesian War Thucydides 2007

About 9 3/4 pence; a drachma (= six obols) would be very high pay for a sailor — indeed, just double the usual amount.

Hellenica 2007