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Siglos - Darios I
| Issuer | Achaemenid Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 520 BC - 505 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Siglos (1/20) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Plain incuse square punch of irregular rectangular form, deeply impressed into the flan by the hammering technique typical of early Achaemenid silver coinage. The incuse displays a rough, striated surface with no figurative design or legend, divided by a raised central bar into two unequal compartments, consistent with the mill-sail or oblong incuse punch characteristic of early siglos types. The broad, raised rim surrounding the incuse reflects the hand-struck nature of the issue. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
The siglos was the Achaemenid silver unit within a bimetallic system paired against the gold daric, with the exchange rate fixed at 20 sigloi to one daric. Darius I standardized this coinage following his administrative reforms of the late 6th century BC, part of a broader overhaul that also reorganized the empire into satrapies with fixed tribute obligations — tribute that was itself often rendered in these coins.
Dies were hand-cut and punched individually, producing the characteristic irregular flans and incuse reverse punch marks that distinguish early Achaemenid silver from later, more mechanically consistent issues.