This pendant features an authentic bronze “dolphin money” piece from the ancient Greek colony of Olbia, struck between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. These enigmatic objects were not coins in the traditional sense but cast in the form of dolphins, reflecting both Olbia’s maritime identity and its role in Black Sea trade.
Now preserved in an 18k gold prong setting, the ancient form is left fully visible, transforming a mysterious relic of commerce into a piece of wearable history.
The History
Olbia, a Greek colony on the northern coast of the Black Sea, was a thriving hub of trade between the Greeks and the Scythians. Instead of conventional coinage, the city cast small bronze ingots in the shape of dolphins — creatures sacred to Apollo and symbolic of the sea upon which the city’s prosperity depended.
These “dolphin monies” circulated in the 5th–4th centuries BC, their exact function still debated by historians: whether used as local currency, votive offerings, or both, they stand as some of the most distinctive monetary forms of the ancient world.
The Artifact
Type: Cast bronze “dolphin money”
Date: 5th–4th century BC
Origin: Olbia, Greek colony on the Black Sea
Material: Bronze
Shape: Stylized dolphin form, unique to Olbia
What’s Included
18k gold prong-set pendant (chain optional, see variants)
Sterling silver chain, gold upgrade available at check out
Certificate of Authenticity
Custom story card detailing the artifact’s history
Peregrine Pendants packaging
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
