While relatively scarce in Corinthian numismatics, the city state’s long-term connection with the chimaera ran deep, the beast being present throughout the city’s foundational mythology. The story tells how Bellerophon, who was the hero-prince of Corinth tamed the winged horse Pegasus with a bridle given to him by Athena and used Pegasus to fight the Chimera, creating a triumphant local myth that celebrated both divine favor and heroic achievement. As the only major hero to be specifically associated with Corinth, the city became hyper focused on Bellerophon.

Despite this deep connection with Bellerophon and the Chimera, the City’s use as a control mark was quite limited. That being said, the chimaera represented the conquered adversary and the heroic triumph that defined Corinthian self-perception.