c. 5th Century BC Achaemenid Empire Gold Daric NGC Very Good

This gold daric from the Achaemenid Empire dates to approximately the 5th century BC and represents one of the earliest standardized gold coinages in world history. The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great and spanning from India to Greece, established this coinage system to facilitate trade across their vast territories. The daric served as a prestigious medium of exchange throughout the Persian Empire and was recognized for its consistent purity and weight standards.

The obverse features the classic design of a hero-king figure with bow and spear, representing the Persian monarch in a kneeling-running pose that became the standard iconography for Achaemenid gold coins. The reverse displays the characteristic incuse punch mark, a simple rectangular depression that was the standard reverse treatment for early Persian coinage. The golden surfaces show the typical granular texture and natural patina expected of ancient gold coinage from this period.

NGC has graded this example as Very Good with a strike rating of 4/5 and surface quality of 4/5. The coin exhibits even wear consistent with circulation during antiquity while retaining clear definition of the primary design elements. Ancient Persian gold coins are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and rarity. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.