Bellerophon, Pegasus and the Chimera – A Mythic Encounter

A hero and his extraordinary mount face a legendary monster on this 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver round from Intaglio Mint. Bellerophon rides Pegasus into the encounter with the Chimera, bringing one of Greek mythology’s dramatic pairings to a 39 mm design. The subject combines flight, danger and the ingenuity of a hero confronting an impossible task.

A Hero, a Winged Horse and a Monster

In Greek mythology, King Iobates sends Bellerophon against the Chimera, a destructive creature combining features of a lion, goat and serpent. Mounted on the winged horse Pegasus, the hero confronts an opponent beyond the ordinary natural world. The Getty’s account of the myth places this encounter among the enduring subjects of ancient art.

A Story Told Across Centuries

The scene appeared on objects long before modern silver rounds. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a Greek gilt-silver drinking cup showing Bellerophon riding Pegasus against the Chimera. The British Museum also preserves an ivory panel with the mounted hero attacking the monster. These objects show how readily the story moves between materials and formats: a human rider, a flying horse and a composite beast create a recognizable encounter in a small space.

Design Details

The obverse depicts Bellerophon riding Pegasus and slaying the Chimera. Its three central subjects form the story: the rider directs the action, the winged horse makes the encounter extraordinary, and the monster supplies the challenge. The round presents the myth as an artistic scene rather than a historical event.

The reverse bears the large Intaglio Mint logo inside a plain border. “ONE TROY OUNCE” appears above and “.999 FINE SILVER” below, flanked by stars. This clear hallmark side balances the narrative design and connects the piece to the mint’s wider silver collection.

Specifications

• Weight: 1 troy ounce
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Thickness: 3.10 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

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