CORINTHIA. Corinth. Circa 375-300 BC. Stater (Silver, 20 mm, 8.62 g, 9 h). Pegasos flying left; below, Ϙ. Rev. Head of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet; behind neck guard, herm and N. BCD Corinth -. Calciati 385. HGC 4, 1846. Ravel 1068. Attractively toned and well struck, a lovely coin with a charming reverse symbol. A few tiny marks and the obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.



Ancient herms are rectangular pillars surmounted by a head (often that of the god Hermes) and frequently ithyphallic. Used as boundary and way markers, they also served as apotropaic protective symbols at doorways, along roads, and in public spaces. On our coin, a herm appears behind Athena’s head; the excellent state of preservation renders the details especially clear, including the phallic element.