Just posted on "What's it worth" forum, but thought I'd post here as well. Curious to find out more info about it. CAST BRONZE DOLPHIN COIN OF OLBIA THRACE https://www.cointalk.com/threads/cast-bronze-dolphin-coin-of-olbia-thrace.296995/
Well, they may not be worth big bucks, but they sure are interesting as hell. The general consensus is that they weren't so much coins, but religious charms that eventually started to be used as an early form of proto-money. They are found in hoards by themselves. Later, when proper coins came into the area, we find them in hoards mixed along with coins. It is strong evidence that they were being used as money (to supplement coins) when coins were perhaps not that plentiful yet.
Hey Justin, yours is holed, so it may have been ancient jewelry, which is cool. I see these at shows in the $10-$20 range. They are common and plentiful. The more desirable ones are like the one Sallent posted - the closer they are to dolphin-shape, the more expensive. If I had a holed one I'd buy a chain and wear it.
Nice score @Justin Lee ! I like the idea it was holed and used as a jewelry piece. That is an easy way to transport and store wealth, as well as ready currency. I have a few Olbian Dolphins... Thrace Sarmatia - Olbia 5th C BCE AE Cast Dolphin 27mm 1.75g Thrace - Olbius AE Dolphin money Thrace - Olbius AE Dolphin money round ver
