Coin Overview

Silver drachm of Dārēv (Darayan I) issued between 132 BC and 100 BC.
This altar type II coin belongs to the later phase of Dārēv’s series, where the design becomes more structured and balanced. The depiction of the ruler before the fire temple under Ahura Mazda reflects the maturity of Persid artistry, combining sacred symbolism with the visual language of royal authority.

Specifications

• Kingdom: Kings of Persis
• King / Ruler: Dārēv (Darios) I | Darayan I
• Year: 132 BC to 100 BC
• Denomination: Drachm
• Composition: Silver
• Weight: 4.19 g
• Diameter: 15.87 mm
• Orientation: 12 h
• Reference: Van’t Haaff 554 altar type II

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.