Coin Overview

Silver drachm of Dārēv (Darayan I) struck between 132 BC and 100 BC.
This issue belongs to the later altar type II series, where the artistic form becomes more defined and symmetrical. The depiction of the king before the sacred fire altar, surmounted by Ahura Mazda, illustrates the merging of royal and divine symbolism that characterized Persid coinage. The design reinforces the ruler’s sacred authority and the continuity of Achaemenid religious tradition.

Specifications

• Kingdom: Kings of Persis
• King / Ruler: Dārēv (Darios) I | Darayan I
• Year: 132 BC to 100 BC
• Denomination: Drachm
• Composition: Silver
• Weight: 4.13 g
• Diameter: 15.98 mm
• Orientation: 12 h
• Reference: Van’t Haaff 557 altar type II
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Obverse

• Bearded, diademed bust right.
• Flat "kausia type" head dress.
• 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.
• Aramaic inscription beneath:
  • י א ן ו ן א ז ץ ן
  • King Darius.