GREEK/UKRAINE BRONZE DOLPHIN “COIN” NECKLACE 5TH-4TH CENTURY BC

From the Greek Black Sea colony of Olbia which provided slaves, cereal, and fish. Before die struck coinage, these dolphin figures served as a means of exchange, vital for commerce to thrive. They are modeled as the bottlenose dolphins of the Black Sea which were both friendly and considered auspicious and sacred to Apollo. The dolphins are bronze, evidently hand-modeled as they vary considerably though always in leaping or breaching posture. This example is just under 1” long with a prominent dorsal fin, pectoral fin, and bottlenose. About as nicely delineated as these come. It has been professionally refurbished, with the silver surface restored on a modern Sterling silver neck chain. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.