Silver Drachm of Darios I
A Coin of Zoroastrian Continuity
Minted in Persis (modern Fars, Iran), this silver drachm (1) issued by Darios I, one of the Kings of Persis, offers a visual declaration of spiritual identity. While ruled nominally under Seleucid or Parthian authority, local dynasts in Persis issued coinage that preserved the visual and religious language of pre-Hellenistic Iran.
This coin stands out not for rarity but for its vivid Zoroastrian symbolism and affirmation of local sovereignty through numismatic art.
Obverse:
Royal Portrait with Causia and Crescent
The obverse shows the bust of King Darios I:
- Facing right, bearded and diademed
- Wearing a causia, the Persian flat-brimmed hat
- Topped by a crescent moon, possibly symbolizing divine protection or astral alignment
- Facial features evoke local Persian styles distinct from Hellenistic portraiture
This stylized but confident portrait asserts indigenous royal authority, projecting continuity with Achaemenid royal symbolism.
Reverse:
The Fire Temple Scene with Ahura Mazda and Eagle
The reverse is a richly Zoroastrian tableau:
- At center: a fire temple or altar with flames
- To the left: Ahura Mazda appears above, often shown in a winged disc or in hovering form
- The king stands facing right in reverence
- To the right: a column surmounted by an eagle, possibly referencing guardianship, divine sanction, or spiritual authority
This type of iconography, discussed in scholarly works such as S.K. Eddy (1958), represented intentional religious resistance to Hellenistic cultural dominance.
No Inscription, But Strong Language
Like many Persis drachms, this issue lacks a textual legend. The iconography itself is the message, focusing attention on native religious and dynastic symbolism without relying on Greek or Aramaic inscriptions.
Numismatic Details
- Ruler: Darios I
- Dynasty: Kings of Persis
- Region: Persis (Fars, southwestern Iran)
- Date: Likely 2nd–1st century BCE
- Denomination: Silver Drachm (1)
- Weight: 4.09 g
- Diameter: 18.03 mm
- Orientation: 12h
- Obverse: Bearded bust right, causia with crescent, diadem
- Reverse: Fire temple, king, Ahura Mazda above, eagle-topped column
- Reference: Cf. Alram 555; Göbl 44; BMC Persis
Affordable and Rich in Cultural Symbolism
Drachms of the Kings of Persis are widely collected today due to their:
- Powerful Zoroastrian themes
- Distinct break from Hellenistic-Greek influence
- Accessibility in the market, especially for collectors of pre-Sasanian Iran
While not rare, this coin is sought after for its clarity of imagery and cultural depth, ideal for anyone interested in religious numismatics, regional Iranian dynasties, or post-Achaemenid autonomy.
Acquire This Drachm of Devotion
At TerraNumis, we curate coins with layered meaning. This silver drachm of Darios I, with its focus on spiritual imagery and indigenous kingship, is a compact testament to Iranian resilience and belief.