A book I was reading about the Roman emperors was what got me started collecting ancients, and until lately I've kept strictly to coins of the Roman Imperial period. But with my lifelong love for ancient history, mythology and art, I guess it was inevitable that I've now started with the Greeks. (Actually, it was really just seeing all the beautiful Greek coins you guys have been posting.) CORINTHIA, Corinth (circa 375-300 BC) AR Stater Calciati Pegasi 402, BCD Corinth 115. O: Pegasus flying left, Q (koppa) below. R: Head of Athena wearing Corinthian helmet left, A below chin, Thessalian helmet behind. Ex Demetrios Armounta Collection (with an old Seaby ticket dated 10 Aug 1965) This particular type wasn't a conscious choice for my first Greek piece, but it really was a case of the coin finding its owner. Having it in hand, I have to say that the Corinth stater is simply a classic and beautiful coin. I know this one isn't perfectly centered, but I'm going to use my imagination and say that it looks as if the Pegasus is galloping/flying right onto the flan, with the subtle hints of iridescent toning almost like sunlight caught on its wings. Hey, it's my coin now and I can say whatever I like about it, right? I'm definitely looking forward to collecting in this area. If anyone would like to post their first ancient Greek (in the broadest sense) coin, please go ahead! Z. p/s I recall reading that in Canada they call this flying horse beastie the Winnipegasus. True?
Excellent choice for your first Greek! My first ancient was also a Corinth stater. I did purchase a lot of prutot before them (and some uncleaned LRB junk) but the prutot were for a gift so that doesn't count... even though I've yet to bequeath the gift I bought a Corinth stater for my brother years ago-- it was in a gold mount, a pendant/necklace. Wanted one for myself ever since and then became interested in ancient coins for themselves rather than as jewelry (where I live ancient coins are somewhat abundant although they are all in the form of pendants or jewelry). CORINTHIA. Corinth. Ca. 345-307 BC AR stater, 8.65 gm Obv: Pegasus flying left, qoppa below Rev: helmeted head of Athena left wearing necklace; head of Silenus behind Ref: Ravel 1046. Calciati 408. Scarce variety. When I photographed it I didn't realize that Pegasus was the obverse.
Beautiful coin, especially for a first jump in greeks. This was my first greek, which I still have: KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. Pella or Amphipolis mint O: Helmeted head of the hero Perseus right; harpa to right. R: Eagle standing left, head right, on thunderbolt : B A P E around 6.9g 21mm
Whoot whoot! Nice Greeks everybody, yours has "character" Mat. Don't blow you budget Zumbly, be careful.
Congrats => you bought Zee winna!! Sorry Z, that was horrible, but I couldn't resist!! (that's a great new Greek pick-up) Here is my humble example (I prefer your example over mine): AR Corinthian Stater Country: Acarnania Mint: Anactorium 300-250 BC Diameter: 22.3 mm Weight: 8.53 grams Obverse: Pegasus with pointed wing flying left, mint mark AN monogram below Reverse: head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet over leather cap, magistrate's names KΛE and AΓ above and below, mint mark AN monogram and control-symbol fileted bucranium behind Reference: by David R. Sear Certification Services Other: obverse weakly struck
Thanks, guys. TIF -> Really can't get over that Silenus photobomb. LOL. Steve -> I'm pretty sure seeing that coin of yours in an earlier thread at least subconsciously influenced my pick up.
