Ancient Persian Silver Siglos Coin NGC-Certified

Coins Of The Achaemenid Empire: Ancient Persia's Legacy Of Power, Governance & Innovation

Stretching from the Balkans to the Indus, the Achaemenid Empire of ancient Persia was among the first kingdoms to successfully govern a vast, multi-ethnic territory, setting a precedent many modern states still struggle to emulate. Under rulers like the three "Great" Kings–Cyrus the Great, Darius the Great, and Xerxes the Great–the Achaemenids ruled from about 550 to 331 BC, during which time they developed efficient administrative systems, monumental architecture, and early declarations of human rights that are now studied as precursors to modern governance. Though conquered by Alexander the Great, the empire's legacy endures as a model of ancient imperial sophistication. It's no wonder that the coins of the Achaemenid Empire symbolized imperial power and influenced monetary systems all across ancient Eurasia, serving as a milestone in economic history.

The Kings Who Put Persian Coinage On The Map

King Darius the Great (550–486 BC) is known for expanding the Achaemenid Empire to its peak during his reign from 522 BC until his death in 486 BC. A master administrator who built monumental projects like Persepolis and the Royal Road to unify his realm, he was described as being tall, regal, and composed. Among the first Persian kings to be depicted on coinage, he inspired both loyalty and fear among his subjects. His son, King Xerxes the Great  (518–465 BC), famously led the invasion of Greece where he was checked by Leonidas and the 300 Spartans at the Battle Thermopylae. Ancient accounts portray him as tall, imposing, and richly adorned, with a proud yet volatile temperament that reflected both majesty and hubris. He reigned from 486 BC until he was assassinated in 465 BC by Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard. Artabanus' plot to usurp the Achaemenids was uncovered by Artaxerxes, Xerxes son, who has the traitor put to death along with all seven of his sons.

Uniquely Persian Coinage Breaks New Ground

From a numismatic standpoint, Darius is important as the first Persian ruler to issue a uniquely Persian coinage. Breaking with the precedent of re-issuing the Lydian coins, Darius introduced coinage with new designs in about 520 BC. These silver coins, the siglos, weighed about 5.5 grams and were struck on small, thick planchets and feature a bearded archer (thought to represent the king or a hero) on the obverse, and an incuse punch on the reverse. The siglos were important for their empire's economy and trade and were widely used for trade, goods & services, and soldiers' pay.

Certified Genuine And Authentic By NGC

Here you can secure a 2,500-year-old silver siglos coin that depicts the "Great Kings" in various poses depending on the year struck. Sometimes the king appears as a heroic archer symbolizing divine favor. Other images includes the kings either in a kneeling or running stance holding a spear and a dagger. The coin also comes certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being a genuine and authentic ancient Persian Silver Siglos Coin. Travel 2,500 years back in time to the Achaemenid Empire with this Ancient Persian Silver Siglos Coin. It's truly an amazing piece of world history that you can hold in the palm of your hand!