Front: Darius II Persian King Hero; quiver over shoulder, holding bow and spear
Reverse: Incuse punch mark
Circa: 5th century B.C.E.
Darius II (reigned 423–404 BCE) was an Achaemenid Persian King known as Ochus before taking the throne; his reign was marked by internal revolts such as support for Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. He maintained the empire's monetary system by minting gold darics and silver sigloi like this one.
From a biblical-historical perspective, this time period coincided with the closing of the long era of events contained in the Old Testament. As such, this coin hails from the very beginning of the Intertestamental Period. this Carradice Type IV Persian coinage (king running with bow and dagger) was the last large series of coinage struck with just a one-side design.
These very early coins supported trade paying mercenaries during conflicts with Athens and other wars in the 400's BCE.
