DARIUS II – Kingdom of Persis – c. 1st century BC AE drachme Extremely Rare Ancient Coin

Kingdom of Persis – DARIUS II, c. 1st century BC, Denomination: AE drachme, Mint name: Persepolis, Perside, Weight: 2.73 grams, Diameter: 16.52 mm, Catalogue references: BMC.16 – Morgan352 p. 281 – GIC.6207, about very fine, + extremely rare.

Obverse: ANÉPIGRAPHE, bust of Darius facing left, the head wearing the tiare with an ear-flap decorated with a crescent moon; a simple bandeau with a knot falling behind the head; the beard is long, triangular, and pointed, with long hair falling onto the nape.

Reverse: The king standing left in front of a pyrée (fire altar) that is lit.

The Kingdom of Persis under Darius II in the 1st century BC represents one of the last strongholds of Iranian royal tradition before the rise of larger imperial powers. This AE drachme, struck at Persepolis, is exceptionally rare and reflects the local rulers’ attempt to maintain their identity through distinctive royal portraiture and sacred fire-altar imagery. Its compact module and fine artistry show the continuation of Achaemenid-inspired symbolism in a regional context.

Darius II of Persis was one of the autonomous frataraka rulers who governed the region while acknowledging, yet subtly resisting, external domination—first by the Seleucids and later by the Parthians. His reign is noted for reinforcing Zoroastrian religious authority, promoting temple complexes, and preserving ancient ceremonial customs at Persepolis. Through careful administration and religious patronage, Darius II ensured stability in Persis during a turbulent era, protecting its cultural heritage and affirming the lineage of local kingship.