What is the Satrapal Coin of Asia Minor?

Among the earliest realistic portraits in Western coinage. It was struck in Early 4th century BCE at Western Asia Minor under Achaemenid satrap (probably Tiribazos).

What metal and weight is the Satrapal Coin of Asia Minor?

Silver, weighing approximately ~15 g.

Persian Treasury

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Achaemenid Empire

Satrapal Coin of Asia Minor

Among the earliest realistic portraits in Western coinage.

Key specifications for Satrapal Coin of Asia Minor
Date	Early 4th century BCE
Ruler / issuer	Achaemenid satrap (probably Tiribazos)
Mint	Western Asia Minor
Metal	Silver
Weight	~15 g
Era	Achaemenid Empire (550 – 330 BCE)
Region	From the Indus to the Aegean

Obverse

Bearded satrap in Persian tiara.

Reverse

Greek-style figure, mint inscription.

Historical context — Achaemenid Empire

Darius I (522–486 BCE) reformed imperial coinage, issuing the gold Daric and silver Siglos. Bearing the running or kneeling archer-king, they are among the most iconic ancient coins.

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Frequently asked

What is the Satrapal Coin of Asia Minor?: Among the earliest realistic portraits in Western coinage. It was struck in Early 4th century BCE at Western Asia Minor under Achaemenid satrap (probably Tiribazos).
What metal and weight is it?: Silver, weighing approximately ~15 g.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: Bearded satrap in Persian tiara. Reverse: Greek-style figure, mint inscription.

Silver Siglos (Type IIIb)

Xerxes I – Artaxerxes II

c. 485–375 BCE

20 Sigloi = 1 Daric. Hundreds of thousands survive — the most common Achaemenid coin.

Mazaios Satrapal Double Shekel — Babylon

Mazaios, Satrap of Babylon

c. 331–328 BCE

Struck by Mazaios, the Achaemenid satrap who surrendered Babylon to Alexander in 331 BCE and was confirmed as governor. His coinage is a hinge moment: Achaemenid satrapal iconography continued unchanged into the early Macedonian administration.

Philisto-Arabian / Samarian Obol

Local Achaemenid governors

c. 450–333 BCE

Tiny silver fractions struck by Achaemenid-appointed governors of the Levantine coast — blending Persian, Greek and Phoenician iconography. Image: closely related satrapal type.

Sidonian Double Shekel under Achaemenid Suzerainty

Abd'ashtart I / Straton I of Sidon

c. 365–352 BCE

The most explicit numismatic image of Achaemenid imperial overlordship — the Phoenician vassal king literally walks behind the Persian Great King's chariot.