A dareike or dareikos (Greek) is the gold coin of the first Persian empire of the Achaemenids (6th-4th century BC). It is named after the Great King Dareios I (ruled 522-486 BC), during whose reign it was probably introduced. It weighs approximately 8.4g and is more oval than round. The great king is always shown on the front in a kneeling pattern. He carries a spear, bow and quiver and the kidaris (crown) on his head. In the absence of inscription, it cannot be determined with certainty which king is depicted. Only the incusum can be seen on the back, i.e. the imprint of the embossing hammer.
Until the introduction of the gold staters of Alexander the Great (ruled 336-323 BC), darics were the most common gold coins in the eastern Mediterranean. (SV)
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