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Dolphin APIXO
| Issuer | Olbia |
|---|---|
| Year | 440 BC - 400 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
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| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Olbia, the Greek colony at the mouth of the Hypanis river on the Black Sea's northern shore, used cast bronze dolphin-shaped pieces as a local exchange medium well before adopting conventional struck coinage. These are among the earliest bronze issues in the Greek world, predating the widespread adoption of bronze as a monetary metal by several decades. Their casting method, rather than striking, places them closer technologically to Mesopotamian currency objects than to contemporary Aegean practice.