Numismatic

Achaemenid Persia Gold AV Daric (c.5th Century BC) VF NGC (4/4)

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Dating back to the fifth century BC, this gold daric represents a foundational era of ancient coinage. Introduced under the rule of Darius the Great of Persia, who reigned from 522 BC to 486 BC, these distinctive gold pieces served as a standard currency for the empire until 330 BC. Each coin weighs approximately 8 grams, though slight variations in weight were common during this early period of hand-struck coinage. The obverse of the coin features a striking depiction of a kneeling king or heroic figure, captured in a dynamic pose while holding a bow and a spear. In contrast to the detailed figure on the front, the reverse displays a simple, oblong incuse punch, a characteristic mark of the ancient minting process where the metal was forced into the die. This particular specimen has been certified in Very Fine condition, reflecting its remarkable survival over more than two millennia. The preservation of its design elements is further highlighted by its technical evaluation, which awards it a strike rating of 4 out of 5 and a surface rating of 4 out of 5.