Dolphins of Olbia: Ancient Proto-Money from the Black Sea (about 2500 years ago)
This collection features unusual bronze proto-money cast in the shape of bottle-nosed dolphins, created by the ancient Greeks of Olbia on the western coast of the Black Sea (modern Ukraine) in the 5th century BC.
Technical Details:
Format: Black box
Material: Bronze Date: 5th century BC (circa 500-400 BC)
Note: Each piece has unique variations in appearance
Historical Significance: Unlike the round coins typical of most ancient Greek cities, Olbia created these distinctive dolphin-shaped bronze pieces as an early form of currency. The dolphin shape had significant meaning, as dolphins (Delphinus in Greek) were considered sacred fish in Greek mythology. These crude but recognizable dolphin forms represent an important transitional stage in monetary history, between commodity money and standardized coinage. Each piece is unique, showcasing the hand-crafted nature of this early currency. These artifacts provide insight into both the economic practices and religious beliefs of Greek colonists along the Black Sea coast during the Classical period.
This collection features unusual bronze proto-money cast in the shape of bottle-nosed dolphins, created by the ancient Greeks of Olbia on the western coast of the Black Sea (modern Ukraine) in the 5th century BC.
Technical Details:
Format: Black box
Material: Bronze Date: 5th century BC (circa 500-400 BC)
Note: Each piece has unique variations in appearance
Historical Significance: Unlike the round coins typical of most ancient Greek cities, Olbia created these distinctive dolphin-shaped bronze pieces as an early form of currency. The dolphin shape had significant meaning, as dolphins (Delphinus in Greek) were considered sacred fish in Greek mythology. These crude but recognizable dolphin forms represent an important transitional stage in monetary history, between commodity money and standardized coinage. Each piece is unique, showcasing the hand-crafted nature of this early currency. These artifacts provide insight into both the economic practices and religious beliefs of Greek colonists along the Black Sea coast during the Classical period.
This collection features unusual bronze proto-money cast in the shape of bottle-nosed dolphins, created by the ancient Greeks of Olbia on the western coast of the Black Sea (modern Ukraine) in the 5th century BC.
Technical Details:
Format: Black box
Material: Bronze Date: 5th century BC (circa 500-400 BC)
Note: Each piece has unique variations in appearance
Historical Significance: Unlike the round coins typical of most ancient Greek cities, Olbia created these distinctive dolphin-shaped bronze pieces as an early form of currency. The dolphin shape had significant meaning, as dolphins (Delphinus in Greek) were considered sacred fish in Greek mythology. These crude but recognizable dolphin forms represent an important transitional stage in monetary history, between commodity money and standardized coinage. Each piece is unique, showcasing the hand-crafted nature of this early currency. These artifacts provide insight into both the economic practices and religious beliefs of Greek colonists along the Black Sea coast during the Classical period.
