Scythia. Olbia circa 437-410 BC.
Cast coinage Æ

71 mm, 114,12 g

Facing gorgoneion / Sea eagle flying right, wings spread, holding in its talons a dolphin right, A-P-I-X around.

Very Fine

Anokhin 168; Frolova & Abramzon 156-8; SNG BM Black Sea 383; HGC 3, 1881.

The cast bronzes of Olbia not only served as a medium of exchange but also reflected the unique economic and cultural interactions in the region. Olbia's prosperity was intricately tied to its role as a trading hub, facilitating exchanges between the Scythian nomads and Greek settlers. The artistic elements on the coins, such as the gorgon's head and sea eagle, conveyed a fusion of Greek mythological symbolism with local Scythian influences. These Olbian coins, particularly the larger ones, were distinctive for their sheer size and weight, indicating a reliance on intrinsic metal value for trade. The economic system of Olbia, reminiscent of early Roman practices, emphasized the tangible value of the metal itself. This stands in contrast to later coinage systems where the face value of coins became more symbolic than their actual metal content. The dolphin-shaped smaller denominations and the elaborate imagery on the larger coins suggest a sophisticated approach to coin design. The Olbians not only engaged in practical trade but also expressed cultural and artistic elements through their coinage, showcasing a dynamic blend of Greek and Scythian influences in this remote region of the Black Sea.