Coin Overview

Silver drachm of Dārēv (Darayan I) struck between 132 BC and 100 BC.
This altar type I issue reflects the earliest, more traditional form of Persid coinage under Dārēv. The pairing of the royal portrait and the sacred altar scene conveys the close relationship between kingship and divine sanction, a defining element in the artistic and religious language of Persis coin design.

Specifications

• Kingdom: Kings of Persis
• King / Ruler: Dārēv (Darios) I | Darayan I
• Year: 132 BC to 100 BC
• Denomination: Drachm (1) | Chian-Rhodian standard
• Composition: Silver
• Weight: 4.20 g
• Diameter: 16.75 mm
• Orientation: 5 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.