Ave!

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

Æ; 29mm/1.8gm

Con/ As Cast; original green patina; elegantly proportioned and scarce with large eyes to either side.

Ref/ Nieczitajlo 8E var.

Seller's Note/ The Hellenic city of Olbia was founded in the 7th century BC by Miletus colonists, located in modern-day Ukraine where the Hypanis and Borysthenes rivers meet, about 15 miles from the Black Sea's north-west 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 BC, it was a major grain supplier. Around 550 - 525 BC, small bronze dolphins were cast as offerings to Apollo, later serving as proto-money and traded by weight. When proper coins arrived, these dolphins were often found in mixed hoards, indicating their use as currency.