From the Greek Black Sea colony of Olbia, modern-day Ukraine, 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 3/4" long with dorsal fin, eye and a prominent bottle nose, all well delineated. Surface textured from burial, it has been professionally refurbished, silver plated on a modern Sterling silver neck chain. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity
