Lot 4068
Corinthia, Corinth. Silver Stater (8.6g) struck ca. 405-345 BC. Pegasos with curled wing stepping right on exergual line; below belly, koppa and E. Reverse: EY. Head right of Athena in Corinthian helmet; to left, bull's head(?). Cf. Calciati 340 (reverse legend not noted). A remarkable obverse, while the reverse is slightly off-center. Lovely, dark, antique gray toning, slightly iridescent. Extremely Fine/Very Fine.
The ancient city of Corinth lay on the isthmus connecting the Peloponnese with central Greece. The Corinthians were great seafarers and established numerous colonies, some of which themselves rose to greatness, the most notable example being the Sicilian city of Syrakuse. The Corinthian silver stater, weighing about 8.6 grams, was a multiple of a drachm weighing 2.87 grams, and was, thus, a tridrachm. However, it also corresponded in weight to an Attic didrachm, thus adding significantly to its popularity in international commerce. The winged horse, or Pegasos, born from the blood of the gorgon Medusa and tamed by Bellerophon, prince of Corinth, was the constant obverse type for the Corinthian coinage as well as of the city's numerous colonies.
On this beautiful example of a fourth century Corinthian stater, Pegasos appears in an unusual pose, standing instead of flying and with curled instead of pointed wings. The style represents a partial revival of the archaic phase of the Corinthian coinage.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
The Hunter Collection; Ex Superior Stamp & Coin, June 2, 1992, lot 4414.
|
| |
| Realized $4,485 |
