Achaemenid Empire – Time of Darius II (424–405 BC)
Silver Siglos | Sardes Mint
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Coin Details
•Empire: Achaemenid Persian Empire
•Ruler: Darius II (reign circa 424–405 BC)
•Mint: Sardes (Lydia, Asia Minor)
•Denomination: Siglos
•Material: Silver
•Weight: 5.46 g
•Condition: Good Very Fine
Frame silver 925 - 14 k Gold plated 
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Obverse
The Persian king is depicted in the classic kneeling–running stance, facing right, holding a spear and a bow, with a quiver slung over his shoulder.
This iconic image, often referred to as the “Persian archer,” symbolizes royal authority, military power, and the king’s role as both warrior and protector of the empire.
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Reverse
An incuse rectangular punch, characteristic of early Persian silver coinage.
This simple but distinctive reverse reflects the functional and standardized nature of Achaemenid monetary production.
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Historical Significance
The silver siglos was the principal silver denomination of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from Anatolia and Egypt to Central Asia and the Indus Valley.
Coins like this were struck at Sardes, the main western mint of the empire, and circulated widely alongside gold darics. The use of a consistent royal image across the empire reinforced imperial unity and authority under Persian rule.
This issue belongs to the reign of Darius II, a period marked by internal challenges and regional revolts, during which stable coinage remained essential for administration, trade, and military payments.
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Why This Coin Matters
•Authentic silver siglos of the Achaemenid Persian Empire
•Struck at Sardes, the empire’s most important western mint
•Iconic “Persian archer” design, one of the most recognizable ancient coin types
•Direct link to the economic and military structure of ancient Persia
•Highly collectible example of early imperial silver coinage
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Included with This Coin
✔️ 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