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Image search results - "Dolphin,"

(0217) DIADUMENIAN217 - 218 AD
AE 20 mm 5.16 g
O: BARE-HEADED BUST R
R: CUPID RIDING ON DOLPHIN, RIGHT, P/D BELOW
THRACE, DEULTUMlaney

001a, Olbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C.Bronze cast dolphin, SGCV 1684 var, VF, 1.322g, 24.7mm. Obverse: dolphin with raised spine, dorsal fin and tail.

Olbia

Olbia, located in what is modern-day Ukraine, was a Milesian colony at the convergence of the Hypanis and Borysthenes rivers, about 15 miles inland from the Northwest coast of the Black Sea. Well located for trade, Olbia was a prosperous trading city and major grain supplier in the 5th Century B.C.

Small bronze dolphins were cast in Olbia, beginning 550-525 B.C., first as sacrificial objects for worship of Apollo and later as a form of currency (Joseph Sermarini).1 commentsCleisthenes

005 Agrippa. AE as 10.9gmobv: M AGRIPPA LF COS III head l. wearing rostral crown
rev: SC Neptune stg. l., clocked, r. holding small dolphin, l. vert. trident
"son in law of Augustus"hill132

008. Marcus Agrippa, general and son-in-law of Augustus (Died 12 B.C.) Av.: M AGRIPPA L F COS III
Rv.: Neptune, in r. hand small dolphin, in l. hand trident / S–C

AE As Ø28 / 10.2g
RIC 58 Rome, Cohen 3

010a2. VitelliusDenarius. Obv: A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate head right.
Rev: XV VIR SACR FAC, tripod lebes surmounted by dolphin, raven standing right beneath. RIC 86, RSC 114.

2 commentslawrence c

019 Vitellius (69 A.D.), Rome, RIC I 0086, AR-Denarius, XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod and dolphin, Scarce, #1019 Vitellius (69 A.D.), Rome, RIC I 0086, AR-Denarius, XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod and dolphin, Scarce, #1
avers: A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, Laureate head right.
reverse: XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod lebes surmounted by dolphin, raven standing right beneath.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,0-19,0mm, weight: 2,72g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 69 A.D.,
ref: RIC I 86, p-272, RSC 114, BMC 17, Sear 2201var.,
Q-001quadrans

019 Vitellius (69 A.D.), Rome, RIC I 0109, AR-Denarius, XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod and dolphin, Scarce, #1019 Vitellius (69 A.D.), Rome, RIC I 0109, AR-Denarius, XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod and dolphin, Scarce, #1
avers: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, Laureate head right.
reverse: XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod lebes with dolphin lying right on top and raven standing right below.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,23g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 69 A.D.,
ref: RIC I 109, p-272, RSC 111, BCM 39, Sear 2201,
Q-0014 commentsquadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0002, RIC II(1962) 0004, AR-Denarius, Rome, TR P COS VII, Dolphin, Scarce!, #1024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0002, RIC II(1962) 0004, AR-Denarius, Rome, TR P COS VII, Dolphin, Scarce!, #1
avers:- IMP-CAESAR-DOMITIANVS-AVG, Laurate head right.
revers:- TR-P-COS-VII, Dolphin twined round anchor.
exerg: -, diameter: 17,5-18,5mm, weight: 3,37g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 81 A.D., ref: RIC 0002, RIC II(1962) 0004, p-154,
Q-001quadrans

049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 241, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, #1049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 241, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, #1
avers: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate head right.
reverse: P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, holding trident dolphin, foot on the globe.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-18,5 mm, weight: 2,95 g, axis: 1h,
mint: Rome, date: 210 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 241, p-, RSC 542,
Q-001quadrans

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 241 Obv:- SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right
Rev:- P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, holding trident dolphin, foot on globe.
References:- RIC 241, RSC 542 maridvnvm

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 241Obv:- SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right
Rev:- P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, holding trident dolphin, foot on globe.
References:- RIC 241, RSC 542 maridvnvm

1. Thrace, Byzantion, 340-320 BC, AR SiglosHeifer standing left above dolphin, VΠΥ above.
Incuse square of mill-sail pattern.

SNG BM Black Sea 21; SNG Copenhagen 476; Sear GCV 1579.

(17 mm, 5.36 g)
Classical Numismatic Group electronic Auction 146, 23 August 2006, 34.

Standing on the European side of the Bosporos, Byzantion with its twin city Kalchedon on the Asia Minor side of the Bosporos was the ancient gateway between the two continents, a role that continues to the present.

The symbolism of the bull and the heifer on the obverse of the coins of twin cities of Kalchedon (Asia Minor) and Byzantion (Europe) respectively is striking and points to a shared identity. They stood astride the southern entrance to the Bosporus. Both were 7th century BC foundations of Megara and jointly they controlled the vital grain trade from the Black Sea into the Mediterranean.

The grain ear upon which the bull of Kalchedon stands alludes to this fact. That of the dolphin beneath the Heifer of Byzantion is a reflection of the maritime orientation of the city and the bountiful pods of dolphins that even to this day frolic in swift flowing waters of the Bosporus beneath the old city walls of Constantinople which succeded Byzantion and was in turn succeded by Istanbul. 1 commentsn.igma

1333 Arse / Saguntum - AE quadrans?c. 200-150 BC
shell
dolphin, crescent above, three dots below
P (A in north-east iberian script)
R&L 153-79; ACIP 1974; SNG BM Spain 1112
2,9g 14,5mm
ex Soler y LlachJ. B.

6020 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Drachm 134-35 AD Poseidon in hippocamp bigaReference.
RPC III, 6020/3; Dattari-Savio Pl. 89, 7759; Emmett 1023 (triton biga)

Issue L ƐΝΝƐΑΚ·Δ = year 19

Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙС ΤΡΑΙΑΝ - ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СƐΒ
Laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., seen from rear

Rev. L ƐΝΝƐΑΚ·Δ
Poseidon in hippocamp biga, r.raising hand and holding trident

23.35 gr
32 mm
12h

Note.
Poseidon was the Olympian god of the ocean, earthquakes and horses. His father Kronos swallowed him whole when he was born, later Zeus with the help of Metis managed to set him free. During the Titanomachy, the Cyclopes forged a unique trident for Poseidon, and together with his brothers they defeated the Titans and threw them into the Tartaros. The god is well known for his famous attributes such as the Trident, sometimes he also used to carry around a rock with sea creatures on it, and he is pictured on pottery with a wreath of celery leaves. His sacred animals are the dolphin, the bull and the horses. However he is also associated with animals such as the hippocampus, in fact, his chariot was driven by seahorses.okidoki

Achaea. Corinthia, Corinth. Lucius Verus AE26 Melikertes-PalaimonPeloponnesus. Corinthia, Corinth. Obv. bare-headed bust of Lucius Verus wearing cuirass, r. [IMP L AVR VERVS AVG] Rev. Melikertes-Palaimon riding on dolphin, l.; in pine wreath C L I COR.

A fragmentary Isthmian ode of Pindar portrays the founding of the Isthmian Games as a funerary celebration for Melikertes. Examination of the language in which Pindar speaks of the cults of other heroes at places where athletic contests were celebrated in their honour leads to the conclusion that Melikertes was worshipped as a hero at the Isthmian Sanctuary, at least by the time of Pindar, although no remains of a shrine to him before the Roman period have been found.3 commentsancientone

Achaea. Corinthia, Corinth. Caracalla Æ24.Obv: Laureate, draped bust of Caracalla left. Melikertes-Palaimon.
Rev: CLI COR / Melikertes-Palaimon reclining right on the back of a dolphin, pine tree in background.
24mm., 8.1 g.
BCD Corinth 930.1 commentsancientone

Agrippa RIC I, Gaius 58Agrippa, died 12 BC, friend and son-in-law of Augustus
AE - As, 10.84g, 22.5mm
Rome, undated
obv. M AGRIPPA L F COS III
head l., with corona rostrata
rev. Neptune standing l., cloaked, r. holding small dolphin,
l. vertical trident
S C l. and r.
RIC I, Gaius 58; C.3; BMCR (Tiberius)161
about VF, black patina

CORONA ROSTRATA (or CORONA NAVALIS), a crown decorated with prows, dedicated to Agrippa due to the victory over Sextus Pompeius in the naval battle of Naulochos 36 BC. Jochen

Agrippa, RIC I-58 RomeAE As
Rome mint, 37-41 A.D.
29mm, 10.50
RIC I-58, RCVv.1-1812

Obverse:
M AGRIPPA L F COS III
Head left, wearing rostral crown.

Reverse:
S-C
Neptune standing left, cloaked, right holding small dolphin, left vertical trident.Will J

Alexander the Great, free horse, dolphin, Ã†15Alexander (III) the Great, 336-323 B.C. Æ15, (4.4g) Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. / ALEXANDROU Horse prancing right, dolphin below. Sear GCV II 6744 var (dolphin instead of thunderbolt). Ex Lanz (who attributed this as Alexander II without further reference)Podiceps

Arse / Saguntum - AE quadrans?c. 200-150 BC
shell
dolphin, crescent above, three dots below
P (A in north-east iberian script)
R&L 153-79; ACIP 1974; SNG BM Spain 1112
2,4g 14mm
ex Soler y LlachJ. B.

Asia Minor, Mysia, Kyzikos, Dolphin, TunnyKyzikos, Mysia
AR obol, 550-480 BC
Obv.: Dolphin left above tunny left.
Rev.: Quadripartite incuse square.
Ag, 0.76g, 7.7x11mm
Ref.: unpublished, Von Fritze II -; SNG France -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; Rosen -; Klein -.
Ex Numismatik Naumann, Auction 80, Lot 871 (part of)shanxi

Baktria, Hippostratos SoterHippostratos Soter. 65-55 BC. AE Octuple Unit (19.88 gm, 26mm, 12h). Triton stdg, facing, holding dolphin, rudder over shoulder. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΙΠΠΟΣΤΡΑΤΟΥ. / Tyche stdg l., holding lotus and palm frond. Kharosthi legend Maharajasa tratarasa Hipusratasa (of Great King Hippostratos the Savior [and] Conquerer). T𐤠 monogram to inner l., letter 𐨀 to r. gVF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, 2017. Deeply toned. Rare. Bopearachchi Série 12A #10, H-J; HGC 12 #456; MIG 3 Type 446a; SNG ANS 9 #1643-1646. Anaximander

BCC G32 Eros Riding Dolphin Gilded InlayGemstone or Jewelry Inlay
Caesarea Maritima
1st-3rd Century CE?
Gold-covered silver or lead appliqué of
Eros riding on a Dolphin, head missing,
remnants of wings. Eros with various
attributes was a common theme on gem-
stones and rings found at Caesarea.
Length 7.5mm. Wt: 0.11gm.
cf. Anit Hamburger, "Gems from Caesarea
Maritima", Atiqot English Series, Vol. VIII,
1968, #99, and #100.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1971
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection1 commentsv-drome

Belt Ornament #001, AE-Dolphin,Belt Ornament #001
type: Dolphin AE
size: 52x15,5mm,
weight: 8,22g,
date: ??? A.D.,
ref: ???,
distribution: ???,
Q-001quadrans

Byzantion bullByzantion, Circa 340-320 BC. Byzantion drachm (siglos?), Schonert-Geiss 1–235; SNGBMC 21-33; SNG Ashmolean 3569–3571; SNG Copenhagen 476. 16 mm, 4.45 g. Obverse: cow standing left on dolphin, Î Y above. Reverse: reverse incuse square of mill-sail pattern, punched surfaces textured with dots. ex Numismatik Lanz and ex areich, photo credit areichPodiceps

Calabria, Taras, (c.520-473 B.C.), AR-Litra, HN Italy 831, -/-//Scallop-shell, TAPA (retrograde), Dolphin, below, Scallop-shell,Calabria, Taras, (c.520-473 B.C.), AR-Litra, HN Italy 831, -/-//Scallop-shell, TAPA (retrograde), Dolphin, below, Scallop-shell,
avers: Scallop-shell, linear border.
reverse: TAPA (retrograde), Dolphin, below, Scallop-shell, linear border.
exergue: -/-//Scallop-shell, diameter: 9,0-10,2mm, weight: 0,63g, axes: 6h,
mint: Calabria, Taras, date: c.520-473 B.C., ref: HN Italy 831, Vlasto 1136, Cote 102,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

CALABRIA, Taras. 450-440 BC. AR Nomos7.71g
Taras seated left on dolphin, both arms extended, cockle shell below, Greek ΔEM scratched in field in ancient times // Dionysius male figure, naked to waist, seated, holding distaff & scepter, large die-break noticeable at the bottom of the distaff, Fine.2 commentsLeo

CALABRIA, Taras. 460-420 BC. AR Nomos7.79 gm
Taras riding dolphin, scallop shell below / Horseman galloping. Vlasto.288. Toned aVF. Scarce early issue.Leo

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-340 BC. AR NomosAR. 7.88 g. 23.50 mm.
Obv. Naked youth crowning horse standing left, right foreleg raised; below, A-P.
Rev. Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand; below dolphin, X; on dolphin tail, Ω; below, ΤΑΡΑΣ.
HN Italy 875; Vlasto 418/9.
Well centred on a broad flan. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Lovely depiction of Phalantos, with hair loosely waved. Good VF/About EF.1 commentsLeo

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 390-385 BC. AR Nomos 19.5mm, 7.76 g, 12h
Nude youth, shield on arm, on horse standing left; tiny Λ below.
Phalanthos, nude, riding dolphin left; tiny tiny H on dolphin, P below.
Fischer-Bossert Group 30, 440 (V194/R335); Vlasto 376 (same dies); HN Italy 869; SNG ANS 899 (same dies); SNG Lockett 156 (same dies).
Deeply toned, slightly off center on reverse. VF.Leo

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 460-443 BC. AR Nomos7,83 gm.
Phalantos seated l. on dolphin, holding file in r. hand, shrimp below.
Rev. TAPAΣ Taras seated to l. holding spindle and staff.
Vlasto 201. Flan large. Rare.
Good very fine.1 commentsLeo

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 510-500 BC. AR Incuse Nomos8,03 g; 24 mm; 11 h
Phalanthos riding dolphin right, extending left arm, holding dolphin with right hand; crowning Nike to left; shell below
Rv. Incuse of obverse, but ethnic in relief.
HNItaly 826; Vlasto 68. The first issue of Tarentine coinage. Very rare. Lightly toned and in fine archaic style, extremely fine.

I got this great piece from an auction last fall and it was the most important acquisition for me.
Taras incuse stater is more compact and thicker than Kaulonia and Sybaris incuse stater. It was dibble (or triple) striked and the details were hard to detect. We can found slight trace on the Taras’s head and his left hand. I believe this is the reason that the pattern looks very sharp while the high points (such as dolphin’s eyes and tail ) are flat.

Dating from the late sixth century, this nomos shows Phalantus naked, riding a dolphin, expressing a motif destined for popular success in the coins of Taras: the dolphin brings Phalantus safe and sound across the sea (also evidenced by the presence of a pecten in the lower field of the coin), and conveys him to Italy, according to the dictate of the Delphic oracle. We learn from the Periegesis of Greece of Pausania (II cent. A.D.) that statues of Taras, Phalantus, and Phalantus’ dolphin (cf. Paus. X 13) were among the votive offerings (anathemata) presented to Delphi by the Tarantines with a fifth of the spoils taken from the Peucetii and the Iapygians. The reverse has the same representation as the obverse, in incuse, using a well-known technique of early coinage that was deployed at many other Southern Italian cities besides Taras1 commentsLeo

Calabria, Taras. Fouree half stater.Calabria, Taras. C4TH BC. half a fouree stater, AR plated around a significant AE core.
I guess whoever cut this coin wasn't too impressed to find it a forgery!
Obverse: Naked youth on horseback with spear
Reverse: Taras on dolphin, wreath 9mintmark?)CANTANATRIX

CALABRIA, Taras. Time of the first Roman alliance, 272-235 BC. AR Nomos6.50 gm
Jockey on galloping horse / Taras riding dolphin, holding kantharos and distaff, pitcher behind.
Vlasto.904. Toned VF+.Leo

Calabria, Taras; c. 302-281 BC, Stater7.82g, 20mm, 3h.
Si... and Deinokrates, magistrates. Warrior, preparing to cast spear held in right hand, holding two spears and shield in left, on horse rearing right; [ΣI] to left, [ΔEINOKPATHΣ] below / Taras, holding small dolphin, astride dolphin left; TAPAΣ behind.
Vlasto 692-3; HN Italy 967. 1 commentsLeo

CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 450-440 BC. Nomos26 mm, 7.88 g, 3 h
Τ-Α-ΡΑΝ-ΤΙ-Ν-ΟΝ ( retrograde ) Phalanthos, nude, riding a dolphin swimming to left, outstretching his right arm to left and resting his left hand on the dolphin's back; below dolphin, scallop shell; border of dots between two linear circles.
Rev. Nude jockey riding horse prancing to left.
Fischer-Bossert Group 13, V-/R140 ( a new obverse die for the series ). SNG Lloyd 146 ( same reverse die ).
Rare, especially since the obverse was unknown to Fischer-Bossert. Struck on a broad flan. Overstruck and with cleaning scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.1 commentsLeo

Carteia; Time of Augustus, semis, Tyche CARTEIA/ Eros on dolphin, DDCarteia, Spain. Time of Augustus. Semis, 4.230g, 16.7mm, 180o, obverse CARTEIA, turreted head of Tyche right; reverse D D (=Decreto Decurionum), Eros on dolphin right. Lindgren II 76, Burgos (1982) 1414, Burgos (1987) 517, SNG Cop 434. Ex FORVM Podiceps

Cast Dolphin Proto MoneyBronze cast Dolphins
Description: bronze dolphin, sometimes with raised eye, spine, dorsal fin and/or tail
Mint: Olbia (Parutino, Ukraine) mint
Ids: cf. SGCV I 1684, SNG BM 360 ff., SNG Stancomb 334 ff., SNG Pushkin 12 ff., SNG Cop 67 ff.
Notes: 1. Purchased from Forum Ancient Coins summer 20101 commentsickster

Claudius II year 2 Tet. Milne 4252Billon tetradrachm 10.538g, 20.9mm Aug 269 - Aug 270 A.D
OBV :: AUT K KLAUDIOC CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
REV :: Poseidon standing left, right foot on a dolphin, grain ear in right, trident in left, L - B (year 2) across fields;
REF :: Dattari 5407, Milne 4252, Köln 3045, SRCV III 11414, Emmett 3893, SNG Cop
Purchased 04/2010
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

Johnny

Corinthia, Corinth, Marcus Aurelius, SNG Cop. 329Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180
AE 25, 11.25g
obv. M AVR AN[TONI] - NVS A[VG]
bust, laureate, r.
rev. CLI - COR
The young Melikertes laying on a dolphin, swimming r., behind a pine-tree(?)
SNG Copenhagen 329; Lindgren 1619; BCD 700; Edwards 150, pl.IV
rare, good F-about VF, green-brown patina
added to www.wildwinds.com

Corinth at this time was a Roman colony, therefore the Latin inscriptions.
The revers legend CLI - COR is solved to COLONIA LAUS IULIA CORINTHUS.

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'3 commentsJochen

Cr 80 cf. [unofficial?] Æ Semis [dolphin]post-135 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Saturn r.; behind, S
r: Prow r, above S, before dolphin, below ROMA
22 mm, 5.23 gm
A dolphin semis in a series that does not have a semis, per Crawford? The semis is found in Cr 160, but those dolphins swim above the prow. The prow was apparently described to the engraver with considerable vagueness, and the rostrum is similarly impressionistic.
Thus the "unofficial" attribution, not entirely satisfying to me with respect to either series based on the low weight.

PMah

Cr 463/3 AR Denarius Mn. Cordius Rufus46 BCE
o: Head of Venus right, RVFVS SC behind
r: Cupid on dolphin right; below, MN [ligate] CORDIVS
Crawford 463/3; Cordia 3
3.70g. (2h)

Although this coin is a nice specimen, and the type is very popular, I find it hard to get excited about this issue.
Cordius was presumably a Caesarian minting between the battles of Pharsalus and Munda. The times were rather grim, both for the huge armies and the populace on which they were billeted. Cordius does not seem to be a significant personage.

The coin seems remarkably light-hearted and that seemingly drives its popularity in modern collecting -- "hey, it's a kid on a dolphin, what's not to like?"

It may reflect payment to troops crossing to (or leaving) Africa under the benevolent gaze of Caesar's ancestor Venus and her son Cupid (whose father is Mars). Given that the first part of the Caesarian army was scattered by storms, perhaps these coins were intended to reassure the follow-up troops that they would not end up scattered to the winds and eaten by lions, tigers and bears. Venus also looks vaguely like some of the later coin portraits of Caesar (or Eleanor Roosevelt).PMah

Crawford 390/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Lucretius Trio, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Lucretius Trio, 74 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.89g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Laureate head of Neptune with trident over left shoulder; control-mark V, behind.

Reverse: Winged boy riding bridled dolphin to right; L·LVCRETI TRIO below.

References: Crawford 390/2; Sydenham 784; BMCRR 3247-70; Lucretia 3.

Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatics XII (29 Sep 2016) Lot 530; CNG Triton XVII, Lot 532; Archer M. Huntington (d. 1955) Collection, ANS 1001.1.24776.

L. Lucretius Trio is not known to history. His coins were attributed to 76 BCE by Crawford, but Hersh and Walker down-dated the issue to 74 BCE in their analysis of the Mesagne Hoard (ANS Museum Notes 1984). Michael Harlan proposed an even later date of 72 BCE.

The coin’s design has received various interpretations over the years. Grueber thought it referred to a naval victory by one of the moneyer’s ancestors. The use of Neptune, wearing a victor’s wreath, is clear. Crawford thought the reverse may depict Palaemon, a child sea-god who came to sailors in distress. Palaemon’s mother was Leucothia, whose name bears slight resemblance to Lucretius. Harlan believes the reverse depicts a winged Cupid gleefully playing on a dolphin, and that the coin alludes to naval victories by Lucullus over Mithridates in 73 BCE (remember, Harlan proposed 72 BCE for the issue date). Whichever interpretation is correct, it’s a charming design somewhat reminiscent of 3rd century didrachms of Taras.

The obverse dies bear control-marks, each specific to a single die.
Carausius

Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-285 BC. AR Tetradrachm Pella Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-285 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.40 gm, 29mm, 11h) of Pella 294-292 BC. Winged Nike stdg l. on prow of galley, blowing trumpet & holding stylis. / Poseidon Pelagaios advancing l. w/ trident. ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ. ɪΩ monogram to l.; dolphin above to r. EF. Lustrous. Newell DP 68 (obv. die LVII, plate VI #18); ACNAC Dewing #1196; HGC 3.1 #1012e. cf. SNG Cop 2 #1178 (no star or dolphin); SNG Munich 1042 (no dolphin, same obv. die); cf CNG 118 #148 (same dies); Sotheby's 6147 #236. 2 commentsAnaximander

Denar, RIC 3, p.095, 517a - Faustina II, Venus Faustina Minor
AR-Denar, Rome, AD 147-150
Obv.: FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, Draped bust of Faustina II to right with band of pearls, her hair bound with pearls
Rev.: VENVS, Venus standing left, holding apple in her right hand and rudder set on dolphin, which coils around it
Ag, 3.52g
Ref.: RIC 517a, CRE 233 [C]
Ex Künker1 commentsshanxi

Denmark - 1883 - 1 Ore. Copenhagen. King Christian IXDenmark, King Christian IX.
Bronze One Ore. Fairly high Grade.

Obverse: Crowned Monogram of King Christian IX. Date '1883' to bottom left ( 7 o'clock ) ; Mintmark ( Heart for Copenhagen ) and initials ( CS) to bottom right ( 4 - 5 o 'clock ).

Reverse: '1 Ore' in center; to right, grain, to left = dolphin.rexesq

Denmark - 1883 - 1 Ore. Copenhagen. King Christian IX.Denmark, King Christian IX.
Bronze One Ore. Fairly high Grade.

Obverse: Crowned Monogram of King Christian IX. Date '1883' to bottom left ( 7 o'clock ) ; Mintmark ( Heart for Copenhagen ) and initials ( CS) to bottom right ( 4 - 5 o 'clock ).

Reverse: '1 Ore' in center; to right, grain, to left = dolphin.rexesq

Denmark - 1888 - 1 ore - Copenhagen. NGC - XF-45 BNDenmark, King Christian IX. Bronze 1 Ore coin.
Struck in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Certified XF 45 BN by NGC.

obv: King Christian IX's Monogram, date '1888' @ 7 o'clock, mintmark & initials @ 5 o'clock.

rev: '1 Ore'; to right grain, to left = dolphinrexesq

Domitian Denarius - Rev: Dolphin on TripodDomitian, 81-96, Silver Denarius
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head right,
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P, Dolphin above tripod with fillets.
RIC II² 38 (R3) - this coin!
Previously unpublished.
Unique, this coin specifically recorded in RIC II². 3 commentsOldMoney

Domitian. 81-96 AR RIC II#74Domitian. 81-96 AR Denarius (3.17 gm, 18mm). Rome mint. Struck 81 AD.
Obv.: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head right.
Rev.: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, tripod surmounted by a dolphin right. RICII# 74.
These early type portraits are my favourite and coupled with an interesting reverse, the tripod and dolphin, being symbols of Apollo.1 commentsPaul R3

EB0007 Youth on horseback / Taras on dolphinTarentum, CALABRIA, AR Nomos, 281-272 BC.
Obverse: Naked youth on horseback right crowning himself; IΩ behind, ZAΛO and Ionic capital below.
Reverse: Taras astride dolphin, holding distaff and akrostolion; AN behind.
References: VLASTO 803, Evans VII, G1; SNG France 1924-25; Cote 420 and McGill II, 87-89.
Diameter: 20mm, Weight: 6.602g.3 commentsEB

EB0018 Bull / TridentByzantium, Thrace, hemidrachm, circa 386-340 BC.
Obverse: Forepart of Bull walking left on dolphin, monogram before, Î Y above.
Reverse: Ornamented Trident in circular depression.
References: Cf. SNG BM Black Sea-17; Klein-88; Schönert-Geiss-778.
Diameter: 12mm, Weight: 1.969g.
EB

EB0653 Claudius II Gothicus / PoseidenClaudius II Gothicus 268-270, billon tetradrachm of Alexandria, year 2 = 269-270.
Obverse: AVT K KÎ›AVÎ”IOC CEB, laurate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: Poseidon standing left, right foot resting on dolphin, holding grain ear in right hand and trident in left, L-B ( year 2 ).
References: Dattari 5407, Milne 4254, Köln 3045, Emmett 3893.
Diameter: 23mm Weight: 10.59gEB

Elagabalus,Trajanopolis mint, Elagabalus, 218-222 A.D. AE, 17mm 2g,
O: AVT K M AVP CE ANTWΩEINOC, Laureate head of Elagabalus right
R: TPAIANOΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, The winged Eros riding across the sea on the back of a dolphin, holding a pair of reins
casata137ec

G., Thrace, Istros, (cca. Late 4th. Century - Early 3rd. Century B.C.), SNG BMC Black Sea 259 var., AE-17, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin,Thrace, Istros, (cca. Late 4th. Century - Early 3rd. Century B.C.), SNG BMC Black Sea 259 var., AE-17, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin,
avers:- Laureate head of Apollo right with two countermark, 1st. laurate head right, 2nd. medusa.
revers:- ΙΣΤΡΙΗ, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; letter between eagle & dolphin.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 17-19mm, weight: 4,17g, axis: 10h,
mint: Thrace, Istros, date: cca. Late 4th. Century - Early 3rd. Century B.C., ref: SNG BMC Black Sea 259 var.; SNG Stancomb 151-152; SNG Copenhagen -;
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-340 BC. AR Nomosorse standing left, right foreleg raised; below, A-P.
Rev. Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand; below dolphin, X; on dolphin tail, Ω; below, ΤΑΡΑΣ.
HN Italy 875; Vlasto 418/9.
Well centred on a broad flan. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Lovely depiction of Phalantos, with hair loosely waved. Good VF/About EF.Leo

Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 390-385 BC. AR Nomos19.5mm, 7.76 g, 12h
Nude youth, shield on arm, on horse standing left; tiny Λ below.
Phalanthos, nude, riding dolphin left; tiny tiny H on dolphin, P below.
Fischer-Bossert Group 30, 440 (V194/R335); Vlasto 376 (same dies); HN Italy 869; SNG ANS 899 (same dies); SNG Lockett 156 (same dies).
Deeply toned, slightly off center on reverse. VF.1 commentsLeo

Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Nomos26 mm, 7.88 g, 3 h.
Τ-Α-ΡΑΝ-ΤΙ-Ν-ΟΝ ( retrograde ) Phalanthos, nude, riding a dolphin swimming to left, outstretching his right arm to left and resting his left hand on the dolphin's back; below dolphin, scallop shell; border of dots between two linear circles.
Rev. Nude jockey riding horse prancing to left.
Fischer-Bossert Group 13, V-/R140 ( a new obverse die for the series ). SNG Lloyd 146 ( same reverse die ).
Rare, especially since the obverse was unknown to Fischer-Bossert. Struck on a broad flan. Overstruck and with cleaning scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.Leo

Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 460-443 BC. AR Nomos7,83 gm.
Phalantos seated l. on dolphin, holding file in r. hand, shrimp below.
Rev. TAPAΣ Taras seated to l. holding spindle and staff.
Vlasto 201. Flan large. Rare.
Good very fine.1 commentsLeo

GREEK, MOESIA, ISTROS AR DRACHMMoesia, Istros AR Drachm.
4th Century BC.
Facing male heads, the left inverted / ISTPIH, sea-eagle left grasping dolphin with talons, AG monogram below dolphin.
BMC 246; SNG Munich 236; SNG Copenhagen 192; Pick AMNG 417.
20mm, 5.02g.

Ex Roma Numismatics LTD

The reverse shows a dolphin in the talons of Zeus’s eagle. This reverse type
is particularly significant, as the dolphin, long a symbol of the cult of Apollo
Delphinios ( Apollo was associated with dominion over colonists, and as
the patron defender of herds and flocks ), whose leaders were members
of the oligarchy, was now depicted under the influence of Zeus, whose
cult was ascendant under the democratic government, when he was
known as Zeus Eleutherios (Freedom).
So what we are seeing is the ousting of the ruling elite and the
beginnings of democracy in Istros.

1 comments

Intruiging taras half stater foureeCalabria, Taras. C4TH BC. half a fouree stater, AR plated around a significant AE core.
I guess whoever cut this coin wasn't too impressed to find it a forgery!
Obverse: Naked youth on horseback with spear
Reverse: Taras on dolphin, wreath 9mintmark?)CANTANATRIX

Istros, Thrace, Sear #1670Istros, Thrace, AR 1/4 drachm 400-350 BC,
Obv; Two facing young male heads, the right inverted.
Rev; ISTPIH
Sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin,monogram below
12mm, .9gmOWL365

Italy, Calabria, Brundisium mint, Lindgren II #246 (var.)Italy, Calabria, Brundisium mint, Semis, B.C. AE, 20mm 7.74g, Lindgren II #246 (var.)
O: Laureate head of Poseidon r., with long trident behind
R: BRVM (below), Taras, naked, riding a dolphin, holding in his outstretched right hand, Nike crowning, and in his left, a cithara
1 commentscasata137ec

Jeton, Louis XIV, Feuardent 12101Louis XIV (1638-1715), the Sun King
AE 29 (Brass), 3.92g, 29.25mm, 30°
struck in Nürnberg
obv. LVDO IIII.D.G.FR.ET.NA REX CH
Ludwig XIV in military dress and with crown, stg. frontal, holding baton in l. arm and sceptre in l. hand; Right before him table with helmet
rev. PROPAGO*IMPERI*16h8.
Henri IV. as Mars clasping hands with Maria de Medici as Pallas (Minerva); between them their son Louis stg. on Dolphin and holding helmet of his father upwards; from above a dove flying down with crown in beak
ref. Feuardent 12101
F+

Legend: PROPAGO IMPERI = the Offspring of the Empire
CH = CHRISTIANISSIMUS = most christian

Note: Dolphin, Frz. Dauphin = Heir to the throne

Jochen

Julia Domna, IstrosJulia Domna,
Æ 22-25.5mm; 9.78g; MOESIA INFERIOR, Istros

IOVLIA DOMNA CE
draped bust right

ICTP- I - H / NWN
sea-eagle perched on the dolphin, both to left

Moushmov 1721 commentsarizonarobin

Kallatis, Moesia Inferior, 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.Kallatis, Moesia Inferior, 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.
Bronze AE 17 . 2.990g, 17.3mm, Kallatis mint .
Obverse : Helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing aegis, holding scepter .
Reverse : “KALLAT-IANWN”, round shield ornamented with a dolphin, club above, quiver below .
SNG Stancomb 857, AMNG I/I 267 var (reverse legend break) .
RareVladislav D

Lucania, Velia, 350-281 BCSilver didrachm, 22.9mm, 7.32g, VF
Head of Athena left, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Athenian helmet; on helmet, dolphin, on flap, Φ, and on crest carrier, a row of pellets / YEΛHTΩN, lion walking right; above, Φ and I either side of ornamented trident head right; border of dots.
Ex: Glenn W. Woods
BMC Italy, pg 314, #100; Sear 460v; SNG Cop 1585
Lawrence W

Maximinus, Deultum, Dolphin, AE20Maximinus I.
AE 20 mm, 4.1 g
obv: IMP MAXIMINVS AVG laureate and draped bust right
rev: C F P D, Dolphin right
Moushmov 3637
GICV -areich

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 25. Diadumenian, HrHJ (2018) 8.25.15.01 corr. #1Diadumenian, AD 217-218
AE 29, 10.59g, 28.97mm, 225°
struck under governor Marcus Claudius Agrippa
obv. K M OPPEL ANTWNI DIADOVMENIANOC
bare head, r.
rev. VP AGRIPPA NIKO - POLITWN PROC IC / TIW(sic!)
Aphrodite standing facing, head r., hair in bun, draped and with cloak,
holding puff of drapery in r. arm and l. hand before belly, flaming altar r.,
dolphin, standing vertical with head down, l.
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1799 corr., pl. XV, 34, same rev. die (3 ex., Bukarest, Turin, trade)
b) Varbanov (engl.) 3667
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018) No. 8.25.15.1 corr. (writes in ex. TRW)
rare, about VF, various patinas

Pick has written: in ex. TRW. But here as well on his pic it is clearly TIW. Directly at the right side of I a vertical die break, seen on Pick's specimen too. 3 commentsJochen

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 25. Diadumenian, HrHJ (2018) 8.25.15.01 corr. #2Diadumenian, AD 217-218
AE 27, 13.53g, 27.38mm, 210°
struck under governor Marcus Claudius Agrippa
obv. K M OPPEL ANTWNI DIADOVMENIANOC
bare head, r.
rev. VP AGRIPPA NIKO - POLITWN PROC IC / TIW(sic!)
Aphrodite in attitude of Venus Medici standing facing, head r., hair in bun, wearing palla,
holding puff of drapery in r. arm and l. hand before belly; r. flaming
altar, l. dolphin, standing vertical with head down
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1799 corr., pl. XV, 34 (3 ex., Bukarest, Turin, traded), same rev. die
b) Varbanov (engl.) 3667 corr. (cites AMNG 1799)
d) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018) No. 8.25.15.1 corr. (writes in ex. TRW)
rare, about VF, as found

Pick has written: in ex. TRW. But here as well on his pic it is clearly TIW. Directly at the right side of the I a vertical die break, seen on Pick's specimen too. Jochen

Moesia, IstrosAR drachm, 19mm, 5.9g; 4th century BC.
Obv.: Facing male heads, the left inverted.
Rev.: IÎ£TPIH; Sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; below dolphin, K.
Reference: Rausch 19, 17; cf. AMNG 434 (Q under eagle’s tail) and 434.1 (Î˜ under eagle’s tail), 17-15-200John Anthony

MOESIA, ISTROS, 4th century BCDrachm - 18mm, 5.74 g, 12h

O - Facing male heads, the left inverted
R - Sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; IÎ£TPIH above; • between, Î› monogram below dolphin.

AMNG I 417; SNG BM Black Sea 249.2 commentsrobertpe

Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm.Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm (17 mm, 5.68 g). Facing male heads, the right inverted / IΣTPIH, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; between eagle and dolphin, Δ; below dolphin, monogram. SNG BM 243; SNG Stancomb 146. Nice old toning. Good very fine.
EX VAuctions - Sale 322 - Lot 65.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.6 commentsSam

Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm.Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm . Facing male heads / IΣTPIH, sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; between eagle and dolphin, Δ; below dolphin, monogram. Good very fine.
1 commentsSam

NeptuneSeptimius Severus denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, holding trident dolphin, foot on globe
References:– RIC 241, RSC 542

God of the sea, Neptune is shown nude with a trident. He is often (as here)shown with one foot raised on a rockmaridvnvm

Olbia, SarmatiaDolphin "proto-money." 5th Century BCE

Slight cast marks are still visible.

AE 29Belisarius

Olbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C.Olbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C.

Bronze cast dolphin, cf. SGCV I 1684, SNG BM Black Sea 360 ff., SNG Stancomb 334 ff., SNG Pushkin 12 ff., SNG Cop 67 ff., F, Olbia (Parutino, Ukraine) mint, weight 1.726g, maximum diameter 28.9mm, obverse dolphin with raised dorsal fin

"Small cast dolphins were cast in Olbia, beginning 550 - 525 B.C., first as sacrificial objects for worship of Apollo and later as a form of currency."1 commentsRandygeki(h2)

Olbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C.Bronze cast dolphin, SNG BM 373, SNG Pushkin 27, SNG Cop 69, SNG Stancomb 339, VF, earthen encrusted, Olbia (Parutino, Ukraine) mint, weight 1.709g, maximum diameter 29.2mm, die axis 0o, c. 5th Century B.C.; obverse dolphin with raised eye and dorsal fin, no tail; reverse ΘY

Small cast dolphins were cast in Olbia, beginning 550 - 525 B.C., first as sacrificial objects for worship of Apollo and later as a form of currency.

FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam

Olbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C., cast dolphinBronze cast dolphin, SGCV 1684 var, F, 0.955g, 16.1mm, obverse dolphin with large dorsal finareich

Olbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C., cast dolphin Bronze cast dolphin, SGCV 1684 var, VF, 1.038g, 15.7mm, obverse dolphin with open mouth, raised eye and dorsal finareich

Olbia, Sarmatia, cast dolphin 6th Century B.C.12mm Celtic cast Dolphin, casted before the use of coins. First used as sacrificial object and later as currency. 1 commentsDk0311USMC

Olbia, Sarmatia, DolphinOlbia, Sarmatia, c. 5th Century B.C. Bronze cast dolphin, SGCV 1684 var, VF, 2.037g, 25.4mm, obverse dolphin with raised spine, dorsal fin and tail; Ex FORVMPodiceps

Olbia, Sarmatia: dolphinBronze cast dolphin, SGCV 1684 var. Small bronze dolphins were cast in Olbia, a Milesian colony about 15 miles inland from the Northwest coast of the Black Sea, beginning 550 - 525 B.C., first as sacrificial objects for worship of Apollo and later as a form of currency.Podiceps

Olbia, Sarmatia: dolphin (2)Bronze cast dolphin, SGCV 1684 var.Podiceps

Paphlagonia, Sinope. Nymph and Sea Eagle Drachm.Asia Minor. Paphlagonia. 330-300 BC. AR Drachm (4.99 gm, 17.5mm, 6h) of Sinope. Head of nymph Sinope left, hair in sphendone, w/ triple pendant earring and necklace. / Sea-eagle flying left, clutching dolphin, AΓPE[ΩΣ] (magistrate Agreos) to right, ΣINΩ below. EF. Ponterio 136 #1761. SNG France 7 #497; SNG BM Black Sea 1481-1482; HGC 7 #399; SNG Cop 4 (Bosporus-Bithynia) 284-285 var. (magistrate); SNG von Aulock 6847–9 var. (same); Babelon Waddington #169, Recueil Général I/I (1925) pp.196-197 #31. cf. CNG 117 #170.Anaximander

Proto moneyProto money and /or horse harness and belt rings, propeller money, raw copper lumps, ingots, cross hatched rings (gold colour), axe money, dolphin, arrow money, bell money.ddwau

RIC 006 Domitian MuleAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 6 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 139. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG, Auction 70, 21 September 2005, lot 910.

A unique mint mule combining a first issue Domitian obverse with a reverse die used for Titus' last issue. This coin may help clear up a long debated mystery concerning the date of Titus' last denarius issue. Curtis Clay explains: 'Titus' gold and silver coinage is regarded as having ended before 1 July 80, over a year before he died, since his latest aurei and denarii all bear the title TR P IX, and his ninth tribunician year ended on 1 July 80. A fourteen-month gap in the precious metal coinage is strange in this era, however, and if we follow Mattingly in postulating that the attested fire in Rome in 80 destroyed the mint, so interrupting its production, it seems a remarkable coincidence that the mint was finally repaired, and ready to resume production using the same "pulvinar" types that it had been striking for Titus early in 80, precisely when Titus died and Domitian assumed the throne in Sept. 81! Judging from Domitian's earliest coinage, one would have thought that the mint must still have been producing pulvinar coins for Titus just before he died, despite the title TR P IX. That this was in fact the case seems to be proven by a mule which emerged in 2005, RIC Domitian 6, pl. 117, showing Domitian's earliest obv. legend as Augustus, IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, coupled with a pulvinar reverse type of Titus, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Tripod with dolphin, wreath, and ravens above. This mule strongly suggests that pulvinar coins were being struck for Titus just before he died: it's difficult to believe that an old die of before 1 July 80 had somehow survived the supposed fire, and just happened to be available for use by Domitian fourteen months later! But why continued use of the outdated title? In Sept. 81 Titus was TR P XI, not IX!'

This unique specimen is the plate coin in RIC II.1. It is also discussed in RIC's introduction to Titus' coinage: '... a recently discovered mint mule combines a reverse of Titus' last denarius issue with an obverse of the first issue of Domitian's reign in late 81 (Dom no. 6). Mules usually combine dies in parallel or at least in closely contemporaneous use, which might imply here that the Titus TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII dies continued to be used after the assumption of TR P X, and perhaps even into 81. In sum, while the titulature of Titus is of the first half of 80, the sheer scale of the coinage produced for Titus COS VIII and Domitian COS VII, and the fact that following Domitian's accession the mint was very active in the period September to December 81, suggests 80-81.' (p. 185) It must be noted that prior to this coin's discovery in 2005, Titus' last denarius issue had previously been dated by the major references to the first half of 80. Sometimes a coin can change history.

The numismatic and historical importance of the piece, combined with its aesthetic beauty, places it at or near the top of my list of all time favourite coins.7 commentsDavid Atherton

RIC 0131 Titus DenariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M
Laureate head right

TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
Tripod with fillets, above dolphin, two ravens left and right and wreath under dolphin

Rome
January 1- June 30, 80 CE

RIC131 (R)
3.17g

Ex-Incitatus

A rare type with the ravens flanking the dolphin.

5 commentsJay GT4

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