Coin Overview

Silver drachm of Dārēv (Darayan I) issued between 132 BC and 100 BC.
This altar type I example represents one of the earlier issues in Dārēv’s reign, where the royal portrait and sacred altar imagery first appear in mature form. The composition emphasizes the enduring role of divine fire as a symbol of royal legitimacy and religious devotion within the Persid kingdom.

Specifications

• Kingdom: Kings of Persis
• King / Ruler: Dārēv (Darios) I | Darayan I
• Year: 132 BC to 100 BC
• Denomination: Drachm
• Composition: Silver
• Weight: 4.22 g
• Diameter: 17.41 mm
• Orientation: 12 h
• Reference: Van’t Haaff 554 altar type I

Obverse

• Bearded, diademed bust right.
  
• Leather helmet smoothly falling down into a neck-piece.
  
• Diadem lies on the forehead under the curled hair lock.
  
• Crescent moon on top.
  

Reverse

• Fire temple.
• Ahura-Mazda above.
• To left, king standing right.
• to right, column surmounted by eagle.