The Greek colony of Olbia was highly important commercially and endured for a millennium. The first evidence of Greek settlement at the site comes from Berezan Island where pottery has been found dating from the late 7th century.
It produced distinctive cast bronze money during the 5th century BCE in both the form of circular tokens with Gorgon heads and unique coins in the shape of leaping dolphins. These are unusual considering the struck, round coins common in the Greek world. This form of money is said to have originated from sacrificial tokens used in the Temple of Apollo Delphinios.
By the end of the 3rd century, the town declined economically and accepted the overlordship of King Skilurus of Scythia. It flourished under Mithridates Eupator but was sacked by the Getae under Burebista, a catastrophe which brought Olbia's economic prominence to an abrupt end.
It was restored by the Romans, albeit on a small scale and probably with a largely barbarian population.
It produced distinctive cast bronze money during the 5th century BCE in both the form of circular tokens with Gorgon heads and unique coins in the shape of leaping dolphins. These are unusual considering the struck, round coins common in the Greek world. This form of money is said to have originated from sacrificial tokens used in the Temple of Apollo Delphinios.
By the end of the 3rd century, the town declined economically and accepted the overlordship of King Skilurus of Scythia. It flourished under Mithridates Eupator but was sacked by the Getae under Burebista, a catastrophe which brought Olbia's economic prominence to an abrupt end.
It was restored by the Romans, albeit on a small scale and probably with a largely barbarian population.
Modern location: Archaeological site
(1)
Olbia
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right; countermark - helmeted head (of Athena ?) right
Reverse: Lyre; OΛBIO / B_A/ EI_(PH)
Diameter:
16 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.4 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.4 g
No notes for this coin
SNG BM Black Sea 637-8
(2)
Olbia
.jpg)
Obverse: Head of the river-god Borysthenes left
Reverse: Axe-sceptre and bow-case; NOY(?) in left field
Diameter:
22 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 7.64 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 7.64 g
No notes for this coin
No references provided for this coin
(3)
Olbia
Obverse: wreathed head of Demeter to right, wearing necklace
Reverse: eagle on dolphin right; ΟΛΒΙ[Ο]
Diameter:
19 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.5 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.5 g
No notes for this coin
SNG Moskau 508; HGC 3.2, 1897
