Coin Overview

Silver drachm of Dārēv (Darayan I) struck between 132 BC and 100 BC.
This early altar type I issue reflects the formative stage of Persid coinage, where sacred symbolism was integrated with royal portraiture. The depiction of the king before the fire temple under Ahura Mazda embodies the fusion of spiritual devotion and dynastic legitimacy that became the hallmark of Dārēv’s reign.

Specifications

• Kingdom: Kings of Persis
• King / Ruler: Dārēv (Darios) I | Darayan I
• Year: 132 BC to 100 BC
• Denomination: Drachm
• Composition: Silver
• Weight: 4.00 g
• Diameter: 17.00 mm
• Orientation: 6 h
  
• Reference: Van’t Haaff 554 altar type I
• Grade: Ch XF
• Verify NGC Certification

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.