5th Century BCE Thrace/Sarmatia/Olbia Cast Bronze Dolphin Proto-Money

5th Century BCE Thrace/Sarmatia/Olbia Cast Bronze Dolphin Proto-Money

The 7th century BCE saw the foundation of several Milesian colonies along the coast of the Black Sea. These colonies, perched at the crossroads of Greek, Scythian, and Thracian populations, soon became bustling hubs of trade. With necessity came innovation, and copper baubles soon began circulating as proto-currency. The dolphin was a popular design, as were wheels and arrowheads.