Olbia Demeter Patinated Medallion Replica | Large Bronze Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Impressive size and weight give the design a strong presence
• Solid bronze with a deliberately applied oxidized patina
• Features Demeter’s facing head with a grain wreath and pendant necklace
• Reproduces Olbia’s distinctive eagle-and-dolphin reverse
• Represents the Greek coinage of the northern Black Sea region
• Uses casting, the production method associated with the ancient prototype
• Offers an unusual addition to a collection of Greek coin replicas

Best suited for collectors interested in large Greek bronzes, Black Sea history and the imagery of Demeter.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Olbia Demeter coin replica is cast in solid bronze and subsequently treated with an applied oxidized green patina. It is inspired by a large Greek civic issue dated approximately 350–330 BC. Its broad surface gives prominence to the goddess’s facing head, flowing hair, grain wreath and necklace.

The reverse depicts an eagle with open wings standing on a dolphin, its head turned back. Above it, the inscription ΟΛΒΙΗ identifies Olbia.

Both the ancient type and this reproduction are cast. The resulting surface texture and irregular outline contribute to the character of the piece, while its substantial size makes the imagery easy to examine and display.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Olbia was a Greek settlement founded by colonists from Miletus on the northern Black Sea coast, in present-day Ukraine.
• This Demeter type belongs to the city’s large cast bronze coinage and is dated approximately 350–330 BC in published auction catalogues.
• Demeter was the Greek goddess of agriculture and the harvest; the grain wreath is one of her identifying attributes.
• The eagle-and-dolphin design is associated with Olbia’s civic coinage.
• The Greek inscription ΟΛΒΙΗ gives the city’s name.
• These large pieces illustrate a distinctive tradition of casting bronze money in the ancient Black Sea region.

Numismatic References:

Comparative references for the ancient Demeter and eagle-and-dolphin series:

– SNG BM Black Sea 390–392

– Compare SNG Stancomb 348 — a related variety

– Nomos 23, 30 November 2021, lot 49 — published comparative specimen

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Olbia Demeter large cast bronze coin replica

Denomination represented: Large cast bronze civic issue

Authority / Mint: Olbia, Northern Black Sea / Scythia

Era represented: 350–330 BC

Material: Solid bronze

Weight: approx. 150 gr

Dimensions: approx. 62 mm

Manufacturing method: Hot Casting

Obverse: Demeter shown facing forward, wearing a wreath of grain and a pendant necklace.
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse: Eagle standing left on dolphin, head turned back, wings spread
Legend:
OΛBIH

Individual castings may differ slightly in weight, diameter, edge shape, and surface texture.

Patina Care

The patina is an intentionally applied surface finish. To preserve its appearance, handle the coin by its edges and avoid abrasive polishing, chemical cleaners or prolonged contact with moisture.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collections of ancient Greek coin replicas

– historical and educational displays

– study of Greek mythology and Black Sea coinage

– distinctive gifts for coin collectors and history enthusiasts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a cast bronze replica inspired by ancient Greek coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related Black Sea and Greek coin replicas:

• Explore the Apollonia Pontika drachm replica
• Discover the Ataias of Scythia drachm replica
• Browse ancient Greek coin replicas