What is the Silver Siglos (Type IIIb)?

20 Sigloi = 1 Daric. Hundreds of thousands survive — the most common Achaemenid coin. It was struck in c. 485–375 BCE at Sardis under Xerxes I – Artaxerxes II.

What metal and weight is the Silver Siglos (Type IIIb)?

Silver (~98% fine), weighing approximately 5.35–5.55 g.

Persian Treasury

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Achaemenid Empire

Silver Siglos (Type IIIb)

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

Key specifications for Silver Siglos (Type IIIb)
Date	c. 485–375 BCE
Ruler / issuer	Xerxes I – Artaxerxes II
Mint	Sardis
Metal	Silver (~98% fine)
Weight	5.35–5.55 g
Era	Achaemenid Empire (550 – 330 BCE)
Region	From the Indus to the Aegean

Obverse

King with bow and dagger, transitional kneeling pose.

Reverse

Rough incuse.

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 Silver Siglos (Type IIIb)?: 20 Sigloi = 1 Daric. Hundreds of thousands survive — the most common Achaemenid coin. It was struck in c. 485–375 BCE at Sardis under Xerxes I – Artaxerxes II.
What metal and weight is it?: Silver (~98% fine), weighing approximately 5.35–5.55 g.
What designs appear on it?: Obverse: King with bow and dagger, transitional kneeling pose. Reverse: Rough incuse.

Satrapal Coin of Asia Minor

Achaemenid satrap (probably Tiribazos)

Early 4th century BCE

Among the earliest realistic portraits in Western coinage.

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.