Achaemenid Empire – Silver Siglos
Time of Darius II (424–405 BC) | Sardes Mint
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Coin Details
•Empire: Achaemenid Persian Empire
•Period: Time of Darius II (424–405 BC)
•Mint: Sardes (Lydia, Asia Minor)
•Denomination: Siglos
•Material: Silver
•Weight: 5.35 g
•Condition: Good Very Fine
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Description
This authentic silver siglos was struck during the reign of Darius II, one of the Great Kings of the Achaemenid Empire. The siglos was the standard silver denomination of Persia and formed the backbone of one of the earliest imperial monetary systems in history.
The obverse depicts a stylized bust of the Great King facing right, represented in the traditional Persian manner as a warrior ruler. This iconic image symbolizes royal authority, military strength, and divine legitimacy.
The reverse features a rectangular incuse punch, sometimes appearing as a double incuse, a characteristic element of early Achaemenid silver coinage. This minimalist reverse reflects the functional and standardized nature of Persian minting practices.
This ancient coin is presented in a 925 sterling silver frame, 14k gold plated, designed to enhance and protect the artifact while preserving its historical integrity.
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Historical Context
The Achaemenid Empire was the largest empire of the ancient world, stretching from Asia Minor and Egypt to Central Asia and the Indus Valley. Coins such as this siglos were struck primarily at Sardes, the empire’s most important western mint, and circulated widely for trade, taxation, and military payments.
Issues from the time of Darius II belong to a period of internal challenges and political complexity, yet the continued production of stable silver coinage demonstrates the resilience and administrative sophistication of the Persian state.
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Why This Coin Matters
•Authentic silver siglos of the Achaemenid Empire
•Iconic representation of the Persian Great King
•Struck at Sardes, the empire’s principal western mint
•Presented in a 925 silver, 14k gold-plated frame
•A tangible link to the earliest imperial monetary systems
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Included with This Piece
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective capsule or archival-quality holder
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using pure cotton fibers following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo