How to Identify the Corinthian Drachm

Read Both Devices First

Start with the two defining images. The obverse should show a profile head of Athena, typically in a Corinthian helmet, and the reverse should show Pegasus, the winged horse. This Athena-and-Pegasus pairing is the signature of Corinth and its related "pegasi" coinage. If either side is missing that device, you are likely looking at a different city or type.

Look for the Corinthian Mark and Field Symbols

Corinth's own issues frequently carry the letter koppa, an archaic Greek letter shaped somewhat like a Q, as the city initial, most often associated with the Pegasus side. Small symbols, monograms, or letters in the field beside Athena were used to distinguish issues and, on the wider family of coins, different mints. Note any such marks carefully, as they help separate genuine Corinthian strikings from the many colonial and allied imitations of the Pegasus type.

Confirm It Is a Drachm, Not a Stater

Size and weight are the quickest way to place the denomination. The Corinthian stater is the large, familiar "colt"; the drachm is a distinctly smaller and lighter silver coin struck on a compact flan. Because the flan is small, expect parts of the helmet crest or the horse's wings and legs to run off the edge. Weigh and measure the coin and compare it against reference weights for Corinthian fractions rather than assuming any Pegasus coin is a stater.

Rule Out Look-Alikes

Many colonies and allied cities, especially in western Greece, struck their own Pegasus coins imitating Corinth, often with local symbols or different obverse heads. Ambracia, Leukas, Syracuse and others produced related "pegasi." The obverse head style, the field letters, and the specific form of the Pegasus all help distinguish true Corinthian issues from these relatives. Do not rely on the winged horse alone.

Authenticate the Fabric

Genuine ancient silver of this era is hand-struck, so look for a slightly irregular flan, an off-center or double strike, and surfaces consistent with age rather than perfectly smooth, uniform metal. Cast fakes with seams or bubbly surfaces, coins that are too regular, or pieces with wrong weight are warning signs. Because ancient Greek silver is widely faked, cleaned, or tooled, favor coins with documented provenance and consider third-party authentication for anything beyond a modest example.