Achaemenid Empire AR Siglos, Carradice Type III, c. 490–420 BC, NGC Fine

General Characteristics

State: Achaemenid Empire

Academic Attribution:

Darius I the Great – Darius II

Most Probable Issuing King:

Xerxes I the Great

Old Persian: Xšayāršā (𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎠𐏐𐎠)

Greek: Ξέρξης I

Latin: Xerxes I

Reign of Xerxes I:

486–465 BC

Academic Note:

According to modern numismatic scholarship, silver sigloi of Carradice Type III are generally attributed to the period extending from Darius I through Darius II (circa 490–420 BC). Stylistically, the present specimen most likely belongs to the earlier part of this period, probably during the reign of Xerxes I. Nevertheless, without a comprehensive die study, attribution to a specific ruler cannot be considered definitive. Consequently, the broader attribution "Darius I – Darius II" is preferred in academic publications.

Denomination

Siglos

The principal silver denomination of the Achaemenid Empire.

Metal

Silver (AR)

Mint

Sardes, Lydia

Date of Issue

Circa 490–420 BC

Classification

Carradice Type III

Most probably Carradice Type IIIb

Weight

5.60 g

Diameter

14.9 mm

Certification

NGC Ancients

Certification Number: 8560159-003

Grade

Fine (F)

NGC Surface Designations

Countermark — one ancient countermark.

Brushed — mechanically brushed surfaces.

Description

Obverse

The Great King of the Achaemenid Empire is depicted in the traditional imperial kneeling-running pose facing right, holding a long spear in his right hand and a composite Persian bow in his left. He wears the royal robe with flowing drapery and the characteristic high kidaris. This design represents the official iconography of the Great King on Achaemenid imperial silver coinage.

The obverse bears one ancient countermark, officially identified by NGC. Although extremely faint on the present specimen, its existence has been confirmed during professional examination.

Reverse

Deep rectangular oblong incuse punch executed in a single strike, characteristic of official Achaemenid imperial silver issues.

Academic Rarity

According to accepted scholarly classification, Carradice Type III belongs to the category:

Common (C)

representing one of the standard imperial silver issues of the Achaemenid monetary system during the fifth century BC.

Nevertheless, certified specimens combining official NGC authentication, an ancient countermark, attractive centering, and complete major design elements are considerably less frequently encountered than average examples of this type.

Preservation

NGC Fine (F)

Despite moderate circulation wear, the principal design elements remain clearly visible, including the complete royal figure, spear, composite bow, royal garments, head, and headdress.

The reverse retains a well-defined oblong incuse punch.

Surface and Patina

The coin displays an attractive natural silver-grey archaeological surface with a stable cabinet patina developed through centuries of natural ageing.

Minor evidence of historical mechanical brushing is present, corresponding to the official Brushed designation assigned by NGC. The surfaces remain stable, with no indication of active corrosion, silver crystallization, or modern restoration.

Historical Background

Xerxes I the Great (Xšayāršā) ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 486 to 465 BC and was the son of Darius I the Great.

During his reign the Persian Empire reached the height of its territorial and political power. Xerxes is best remembered for leading the famous invasion of Greece, including the crossing of the Hellespont and the battles of Thermopylae, Artemisium, Salamis, and Plataea.

Although the Greek campaign ultimately failed, the Achaemenid Empire remained the dominant political and economic power of the Near East. The silver siglos continued to serve as the empire's principal silver denomination for military payments, international commerce, and state finance.