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Achaemenid Empire Gold Daric (Archer Type)

Achaemenid Empire Gold Daric (Archer Type)
Achaemenid Empire (Ancient Persia)
circa 500–330 BCE

This ancient gold daric was issued during the Achaemenid Empire and is among the earliest standardized gold coins in history. The obverse depicts the Persian king or hero shown as a kneeling or running archer, holding a bow and spear or dagger, symbolizing royal authority and military power. The reverse is characteristically irregular and incuse, reflecting early minting techniques without a formal reverse design. Gold darics were widely used across the empire for military payments and international trade, representing the economic strength and administrative sophistication of ancient Persia.

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