PERSIA. Achaemenid Empire. Temp. Darios I to Xerxes II. Circa 485-420 B.C. AV daric. 8.31 gm. 13 mm. Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero in kneeling-running stance right, wearing kidaris and kandys, holding spear and bow, quiver over shoulder / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27). Meadows, Administration 321. BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26. Sunrise 24. SNG Copenhagen 275. Good Fine; struck with a worn die; fresh and attractive.

This type was minted in Anatolia in Lydia while under Persian control, prior to its conquest by Alexander the Great. The largest empire in ancient history, the Persian Empire (circa 550-330 B.C.) extended across Asia, Africa, and Europe.