ACHAEMENID PERSIA. Artaxerxes I-Xerxes II (ca. 5th century BC). AV daric (15mm, 8.30 gm). NGC

Description

ACHAEMENID. Artaxerxes I-Xerxes II (ca. 5th century BC)

– **Denomination:** AV Daric
– **Mint:** Sardes
– **Date:** Circa 485-420 BC
– **Diameter:** 15mm
– **Weight:** 8.30 g
– **Condition:** NGC Choice XF 5/5 – 4/5

**Obverse:**
– **Description:** Depicts the Persian king or hero in a kneeling-running stance right, wearing a cidaris (a Persian crown) and candys (a type of robe), with a quiver over the shoulder. He holds a transverse spear in his right hand and a bow in his left hand. The drapery from the left knee to the ground is in an angular form, with the right knee obscured by drapery.

**Reverse:**
– **Description:** Features an irregular rectangular incuse punch.

**Catalog Reference:**
– Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B
– Sunrise 24

**Additional Information:**
This gold daric, struck at the Sardes mint, exemplifies the artistic and cultural heritage of the Achaemenid Empire during the reigns of Artaxerxes I through Xerxes II. The depiction of the Persian king or hero with his regalia highlights the empire’s military prowess and royal iconography.

For further information, please call 212 3191077