Pegasos was among the most recognizable images on ancient Greek coinage. According to Greek mythology, the winged horse sprang from the blood of Medusa after she was slain by Perseus. Pegasos was later tamed by the hero Bellerophon, with the assistance of Athena, and carried him into battle against the monstrous Chimaera.

The image became closely associated with Corinth, one of the great commercial cities of ancient Greece. Corinthian silver staters, bearing Pegasos on one side and Athena on the other, circulated widely throughout the Mediterranean. Their distinctive design was adopted by other Greek cities, particularly in western Greece and southern Italy, creating a recognizable family of coinage that endured for generations.

The reverse depicts Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet, an appropriate counterpart to Pegasos given her role in the myth of Bellerophon. As goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and civic protection, Athena represented qualities that Greek cities sought to associate with their identity and authority. The letters and shield symbol accompanying her portrait distinguish this particular issue.

What makes this coin especially interesting is its double-struck reverse. Ancient Greek coins were produced by placing a blank piece of silver between engraved dies and striking it with a hammer. Occasionally, the coin shifted or received a second impression, causing elements of the design to appear twice or slightly displaced.

Rather than detracting from the coin, this feature offers a direct glimpse into the ancient minting process. Each coin was individually struck, and small variations in shape, centering, and impression are part of what makes these objects unique. On this example, the centered Pegasos contrasts beautifully with the unusual reverse.

I selected this coin for precisely those characteristics. Its shape, strong depiction of Pegasos, and double-struck reverse make it an especially appealing example of ancient Greek silver coinage.

• Origin: Ancient Greece, Corinthian-style coinage
• Denomination: Silver stater
• Date: Ancient Greek period
• Obverse: Pegasos flying left, with the letter A beneath
• Reverse: Head of Athena facing left, wearing a Corinthian helmet; AP above, ΔI and a shield with strap to the right
• Reference: Calciati 27
• Notable feature: Double-struck reverse
• Setting: Handmade solid 14k yellow gold

• The exact authentic ancient Greek silver stater pictured
• A custom handmade solid 14k gold bezel, individually fitted to the coin
• A sterling silver chain, with a 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
• A note detailing the coin's history and identification
• Peregrine Pendants' lifetime authenticity guarantee
• A Peregrine Pendants jewelry box

The setting is made specifically for this coin, following its irregular contours without drilling or otherwise altering the ancient silver. Each piece is individually crafted in my Chicago studio.