Corinthian Coins – The Complete Collector’s Guide

If Athenian coins are the diplomats of the ancient world, Corinthian coins are the adventurers.
They turn up everywhere — from Italy to the Levant — their winged horse Pegasus flying across the seas on silver and bronze. For centuries, this single image announced: This is Corinthian money, and you can trust it.

The first time I spotted one at an auction, the obverse had the usual Pegasus mid-flight, and the reverse showed the helmeted head of Athena, facing right, with the Corinthian helmet pulled low. The design was crisp, the silver bright. I didn’t win the bid, but it left an impression — one of those coins that sticks in your mind.

The City Behind the Coins

Corinth was one of the great powers of ancient Greece, perfectly positioned on the isthmus linking the Peloponnese to the mainland. It controlled two busy ports and grew rich from trade.

Its coinage reflected that maritime power. The earliest issues appeared in the late 6th century BCE, and by the Classical period, Corinthian silver staters and drachmas were a familiar sight across the Mediterranean.

Pegasus – More Than a Pretty Design

Why Pegasus? The winged horse was tied to Corinth’s foundation myths. According to legend, Pegasus drank from the sacred fountain of Peirene in Corinth, and the hero Bellerophon — often linked to Corinth — tamed him with Athena’s help.

For Corinth, Pegasus was more than decoration. It was a brand, just like Athens’ owl — a promise of consistent weight, purity, and wide acceptance.

Athena on the Reverse

On the flip side of most Corinthian coins, you’ll find Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet pushed back on her head. Sometimes the helmet is adorned with laurel or other decorations, and on later issues, small symbols or letters appear in the field, marking magistrates or mints.

The pairing of Pegasus and Athena made perfect sense — a nod to both the city’s mythology and its patron goddess.

Metals and Denominations

Corinthian coinage was mainly silver, though bronze issues became common in the later Classical and Hellenistic periods.

• Silver Stater – The main trade coin, about 8.6 grams.

• Drachma – Smaller denomination for regional use.

• Bronze Fractions – Used locally for everyday transactions.

Some allied cities and colonies — like Corcyra (Corfu) and Syracuse — adopted the Corinthian style for their own coinage.

Why Collect Corinthian Coins?

• Iconic Imagery – The Pegasus-Athena combination is one of the most recognizable in ancient numismatics.

• Widespread Circulation – Corinthian coins turn up across the ancient world, making them rich in trade history.

• Variety – From early archaic styles to refined Hellenistic issues.

• Accessibility – While rare types exist, many staters are within reach for collectors.

Collector Tips

• Learn the subtle differences between Corinthian mint issues and those of allied cities.

• Condition is key — Pegasus’ wings and Athena’s helmet details are often the first to wear.

• Check for clear, readable symbols or letters; they can add interest and help date the coin.

• Beware of ancient imitations — some are collectible in their own right, but they’re different from official issues.

(Read our [Authentication Guide] – link placeholder)

Value Factors

• Rarity of the Issue – Some magistrate or colony types are harder to find.

• Condition – Sharp details on Pegasus and Athena can double a coin’s value.

• Historical Context – Coins tied to certain wars or alliances may carry extra significance.

• Provenance – Documented history adds trust and desirability.

Caring for Your Coins

• Store in inert holders or capsules.

• Keep away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures.

• Handle by the edges, over a soft surface.

(Read our [Preservation & Storage Guide] – link placeholder)

Famous Corinthian Coins

• Early Archaic Stater – Stiff, bold Pegasus with simple reverse punch.

• Classical Stater – Refined Pegasus and detailed Athena portrait.

• Colony Issues – Variants from cities like Corcyra and Syracuse in the Corinthian style.

(See our [Coin Gallery] – link placeholder)

Where to Find Them

• Reputable ancient coin dealers with Greek coin expertise.

• Major auctions often have multiple Corinthian staters in each sale.

• Online marketplaces, if backed by strong authentication guarantees.

(Browse our [Corinthian Coin Collection] – link placeholder)

Final Thoughts

Corinthian coins capture the spirit of a city that thrived on movement — ships, goods, ideas. Pegasus isn’t just flying for decoration; he’s carrying Corinth’s influence across the ancient world.

Whether you choose an early, bold archaic stater or a later, finely engraved Hellenistic piece, you’re holding a little fragment of that far-reaching power.