What Is an Obol?

December 17th, 2008

Obo is short for obolus, an ancient Greek coin.

Have you ever wondered why we’re called Obopay?  The word “obo” is based on the Greek word for a type of ancient coin — the obolus or obol.  Back in those days, money was split up into many fractions of weights and measures, which would’ve been quite cumbersome compared to today’s streamlined processes. The word obolos also referred to a metal rod, which was sometimes used as currency.

Carol Realini, Obopay’s founder, says she appreciates this aspect of money history:  “I was inspired to name Obopay after the Obol because I wanted to recognize history in naming something entirely new.”

The world has obviously come a long way when it comes to the shape of money! In the digital age, it makes sense to send money with the thing that we all carry around the most — our mobile phones.

You could say that yesterday’s coins have become today’s mobile.

If you’re curious about numismatics (that’s the the study or collection of coins and bank notes) check out the American Numismatic Organization.

Technorati Tags: obopay, obol, coin, history of money, numismatic

source information and image credit:  Wikipedia