Achaemenid Persia AR Siglos, c. 485-420 BC, NGC Ancients VF, Countermark

ACHAEMENID PERSIA - DARIUS I-XERXES II c. 5th Century BC AR Siglos - 15mm Lydo-Milesian Standard Sardes Mint - c. 485-420 BC Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B Sunrise 24 NGC Ancients VF - Countermark Attractive Sunburst Toning NGC Cert. #8663077-018 An authentic ancient Achaemenid Persian silver siglos, struck at Sardes during the 5th century BC, during the reigns of Darius I through Xerxes II. The obverse features the characteristic Persian king or hero in the kneeling-running stance, wearing the cidaris and candys, with a quiver over his shoulder. He holds a transverse spear in his right hand and a bow in his left. The reverse consists of the characteristic irregular rectangular incuse punch produced during the ancient striking process. This example is particularly interesting because it bears an ancient countermark, as noted by NGC. The coin also displays attractive sunburst toning, giving the dark silver surfaces considerable character. Coin Details - Empire: Achaemenid Persia - Rulers: Darius I-Xerxes II - Date: c. 485-420 BC - Denomination: Siglos - Metal: Silver (AR) - Standard: Lydo-Milesian - Mint: Sardes - Diameter: 15mm - Type: Persian king/hero kneeling-running - Reverse: Irregular rectangular incuse - Reference: Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B - Reference: Sunrise 24 - NGC Grade: VF - Designation: Countermark - Toning: Attractive sunburst toning - NGC Certification: 8663077-018 Historical Background The siglos was an important silver denomination of the Achaemenid Persian monetary system. The distinctive kneeling-running figure became one of the most recognizable designs of Persian coinage, depicting the king or royal hero armed with bow and spear. These coins circulated widely throughout the Persian Empire and the Greek world. The countermark on this specimen is particularly significant because it provides evidence of the coin's continued circulation and subsequent use by another authority or community. This is a wonderful example for collectors of Achaemenid Persia, ancient Persian silver, Greek and Persian coinage, or ancient coins with countermarks. The exact coin pictured is the coin you will receive. NGC Ancients holder included.