Siglos - Darius I / Xerxes I THE ROYAL COINAGE - 3rd type A 490 BC - 475 BC
| Silver (.950) | 5.3 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Achaemenid Empire (Achaemenid Empire (559 BC - 330 BC)) |
|---|---|
| King | Darius I the Great (522 BC - 486 BC) Xerxes I the Great (486 BC - 465 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 490 BC - 475 BC |
| Value | Siglos (1⁄20) |
| Currency | Daric (521 BC-330 BC) |
| Composition | Silver (.950) |
| Weight | 5.3 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#87017 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 86% |
Reverse
Incuse square
Comment
Particular: two pellets behind beardLighter weight standard, c. 5.30 - 5.39 g, is the most important distinction from Type IIIb but it is difficult to determine intended weight with wear. Usually two pellets behind beard, generally a life-like well proportioned figure, V-shaped folds on front of drapery, long beard with flat end, quiver visible. Possibly introduced in connection with the accession of Xerxes, c. 486 B.C.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the first known use of a royal title on an Achaemenid coin, with the inscription "Xšaçapāvan Kār Xerxēs" (meaning "King Xerxes, son of Darius") on the obverse, indicating that Xerxes I was still alive during the minting of this coin.
