Ave!

Thrace, Olbia, Cast Dolphin Money, c. 550-500 BC, Iconic!

Æ; 29mm/2.9gm

Con/ As Cast; original green patina.

Ref/ Nieczitajlo 8E var.

Seller's Note/ The Hellenic city of Olbia was founded in the 7th century B.C. by Miletus colonists, located in modern-day Ukraine where the Hypanis and Borysthenes rivers meet, about 15 miles from the Black Sea's northwest coast. Its strategic harbor made it a key trade port for exporting cereals, fish, and slaves to Greece and importing Attic goods to Scythia. By the 5th century B.C., it was a major grain supplier. Around 550 - 525 B.C., small bronze dolphins were cast as offerings to Apollo, later serving as proto-money. When proper coins arrived, these dolphins were often found in mixed hoards, indicating their use as currency.