Charon's obol

Definitions

A coin placed in or on the mouth of a deceased person as a bribe or payment for Charon, the ferryman of Hades.

Greek, Roman

Equivalents

Examples

“Also, the Charon's obol of classical tradition was a low-value coin, a symbol that death makes rich and poor equal.”

“However, in tombs all over the cemetery the use⟳ of "Charon's obols" was widely practiced, primarily in the form⟳ of the local Kolkhidki minted after the Persian weight standard.”

“In Pieria, particularly, gold coins or pseudo-coins were employed as lamellae, also being inscribed and on at least two occasions deposited in the burial in the same way as a Charon's obol.”

CEFR level