Achaemenid Siglos; Lydia - Persia

April 2021

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This famous type, with kneeling archer holding a bow and spear interpreted as a Great King, was struck during the long reign of the Persians (Circa 450-330 B.C.). This period of time means that the 'Great King' here could be Artaxerxes I to Darius III (defeated by Alexander III, The Great). The reverse is just a crude oblong punch. This is a rather nice example with two small countermarks, probably the signets of money changers.
This AR Siglos weighs 5.55 gm and is 11 mm in diameter. S4682. Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint.
ACHAEMENID PERSIAN EMPIRE. Uncertain King PERSIA. Achaemenid Empire. Time of Darius I to Xerxes II. Circa 485-420 BC. BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 26. SNG Cop 281-283. Mint in western Asia Minor, Persian Great king, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running position to right, holding transverse spear with round rear terminal in right hand and bow in left, quiver over shoulder. Reference is Ian Carradice, SNG, Type II - III.