Colonial Acres Coins
SKU: SKU:AC-0465
Ancient Persia Achaemenid Kingdom 420-375 BC Silver Siglos Extra Fine (EF40)
Ancient Persia Achaemenid Kingdom 420-375 BC Silver Siglos Extra Fine (EF40)
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Ancient Persia Achaemenid Kingdom 420-375 BC Silver Siglos Extra Fine (EF40). Image is an example of what you will receive.
Between 420 and 375 BC, the Achaemenid Empire was still the dominant power of the Near East, but it was increasingly marked by internal instability and intermittent revolts across its vast territories. The period begins in the later years of Darius II (r. 423–404 BC), whose reign saw significant court intrigue and reliance on powerful regional governors (satraps). Imperial control remained broadly intact, but Egypt successfully broke away from Persian rule for much of this time, highlighting growing weaknesses in central authority.
The succession of Artaxerxes II (r. 404–358 BC) brought both recovery and continued conflict. His reign was famously challenged by his brother Cyrus the Younger, whose failed rebellion—ending at the Battle of Cunaxa—revealed deep divisions within the empire. Despite this, Artaxerxes II managed to restore Persian control over much of Anatolia and suppress several revolts, including the reconquest of Egypt for a time.
Diplomatically, Persia remained highly influential in Greek affairs, frequently intervening through financial support of rival city-states such as Sparta and Athens during the Corinthian War. However, the empire’s reliance on satrapal autonomy and mercenary forces increasingly exposed structural weaknesses that would become more apparent in the following century.
Obverse: A Persian king or hero, wearing a kidaris (a head ornament of Persian clothing worn by monarchs of ancient Persia) and kandys (a type of three-quarter-length Persian coat), with a quiver over one shower, in a kneeling-running stance to the right, holding a dagger and a bow.
Reverse: An incuse punch.
Specifications:
Issuer: Achaemenid Empire (559 BC - 330 BC)
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 5.4 g
Diameter: Approx. 14 mm
Mint: Sardis, Lydia (modern-day Sart, Turkey)
Between 420 and 375 BC, the Achaemenid Empire was still the dominant power of the Near East, but it was increasingly marked by internal instability and intermittent revolts across its vast territories. The period begins in the later years of Darius II (r. 423–404 BC), whose reign saw significant court intrigue and reliance on powerful regional governors (satraps). Imperial control remained broadly intact, but Egypt successfully broke away from Persian rule for much of this time, highlighting growing weaknesses in central authority.
The succession of Artaxerxes II (r. 404–358 BC) brought both recovery and continued conflict. His reign was famously challenged by his brother Cyrus the Younger, whose failed rebellion—ending at the Battle of Cunaxa—revealed deep divisions within the empire. Despite this, Artaxerxes II managed to restore Persian control over much of Anatolia and suppress several revolts, including the reconquest of Egypt for a time.
Diplomatically, Persia remained highly influential in Greek affairs, frequently intervening through financial support of rival city-states such as Sparta and Athens during the Corinthian War. However, the empire’s reliance on satrapal autonomy and mercenary forces increasingly exposed structural weaknesses that would become more apparent in the following century.
Obverse: A Persian king or hero, wearing a kidaris (a head ornament of Persian clothing worn by monarchs of ancient Persia) and kandys (a type of three-quarter-length Persian coat), with a quiver over one shower, in a kneeling-running stance to the right, holding a dagger and a bow.
Reverse: An incuse punch.
Specifications:
Issuer: Achaemenid Empire (559 BC - 330 BC)
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 5.4 g
Diameter: Approx. 14 mm
Mint: Sardis, Lydia (modern-day Sart, Turkey)
