Pegasus

The winged horse Pegasus appears on the reverse of this Corinthian stater. In Greek mythology, Pegasus was the son of Poseidon and the gorgon Medusa. According to the story, it was impossible for any mortal to catch Pegasus. With the help of Athena, who gave him a golden bridle in a dream. the hero Bellerophon caught and tamed the mighty creature. Pegasus helped him on many of his heroic labors and adventures until Bellerophon decided one day to visit the gods on Olympus. Because of Bellerophon's arrogance, the winged horse threw the hero off and abandoned him.

Pegasus has been a very popular theme for art since the time of ancient Greece. He appears on the coinage of Corinth and other Greek city - states as well as the coins of several Roman emperors. He has been a symbol of strength, swiftness, and the special bond between a man or woman and a favorite horse from ancient times until the present. Coins bearing the image of Pegasus are quite popular today amongst both collectors and those who just want to own a piece of ancient art and history. Coins of the Roman emperor Gallienus are quite reasonably priced, with a nice specimen selling for about twenty - five to thirty - five dollars. This Corinthian stater is a bit more expensive at about two hundred seventy five dollars, as Greek silver coins generally command a premium in nice condition. This example has a diameter of about 22mm and is a bit thicker than a U. S. nickel.

The coin is listed in David Sear's Greek Coins and their Values Vol. I Europe as s2629.