Stater

Historical Context: This silver stater was issued by Korkyra, the prosperous Greek polis on modern-day Corfu, between 350 BC and 270 BC. This era marked a complex transition from Late Classical to Early Hellenistic times, with Korkyra navigating shifting power dynamics among regional hegemons like Macedon and Epirus. As a vital naval and commercial hub in the Ionian Sea, Korkyra's staters were crucial for facilitating trade and asserting its enduring autonomy, despite its historical ties to Corinth.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this stater reflects the advanced Late Classical to Early Hellenistic stylistic school, favoring greater naturalism and refined detail, though no engraver is known. The obverse typically features a majestic Pegasus, flying left, a direct nod to Korkyra's Corinthian mother-city and its mythological associations. The reverse often displays a stylized Korkyraean garden, sometimes interpreted as a floral star pattern, prominently featuring the city's initial 'K', symbolizing its distinct identity.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this stater weighs 10.64 grams and measures 20.0 millimeters, consistent with the prevailing Corinthian weight standard. For optimal grading, collectors seek a strong strike on the Pegasus's head, wings, and chest. On the reverse, clarity of the central 'K' and intricate garden elements are paramount. While examples often show minor off-centering or slight weakness in peripheral details, a well-centered strike with sharp relief across both types, coupled with a lustrous flan, significantly enhances its numismatic appeal.