Silver stater of Pharnabazus as Satrap of Cilicia (379-374 BCE), depicting a seated Baaltars. British Museum.

The coinage of the Achaemenid Empire was a continuation of the coins of Lydia. Coins were issued from 520 BCE-450 BCE to 330 BCE for the Daric and Siglos. It seems that before then, a continuation of Lydian coinage under Persian rule was highly likely . Achaemenid coinage includes the official imperial issues (Darics and Sigloi), as well as coins issued by the Achaemenid governors (Satraps), such as those stationed in ancient Asia Minor.

[edit] Daric

Daric gold coin (c.490 BC)

Darius first introduced a reformed currency system at about 520-480, the precise period is debatable. The rate of exchange was 1 Daric = 20 Siglos. It consisted of a Daric of between 8.10-8.50 grams in weight and based on the Babylonian shekel of 8.33 grams. The purity was between 98-99% gold.

After the capture of Babylon by Alexander the Satrap Mazaios issued the double Daric of 16.65 grams in weight whose image was based on the Daric coin and bore his name until his death in 328 BCE. 1 Daric = 25 Attic Drachmae.

[edit] Siglos

Siglos is 5.40-5.60 grams each, but is based on the 0.5 Lydian Siglos of 10.73-10.92 grams for the full unit. Purity was at first issue 97-98% but by the middle 4th century was 94-95%. 1 Siglos = 7.5 Attic Obols

[edit] Archaeological finds

Daric coins have been found in Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia and Italy. The Siglos denomination have been found in hoards only in Asia Minor, and single coins with other Greek coinage from Ancient Egypt to Afghanistan and Pakistan, making it an important issue for the region.

[edit] See also

• Greek coinage
• Elymais

[edit] References and external links

Retrieved on 18 February 2006.

• Zeno coins of Iran
• Daric information
• Money weights and measures in Antiquity including Babylonian
• Persian coins and Satraps coins
• Asia Minor Coins - Achaemenid Satraps and Governors