I've read that "the fact that Cyrus became king over Babylon is well documented both in the Bible and in secular history." Also that Cyrus was half Persian and half Median. So... what coins from this time period would be most affordable? From what I see, the Persian daric would be contemporary, but they were only gold? Plus, most were melted down by Alexander the Great a few centuries later and thus kind of hard to find and therefore expensive nowadays. The siglos was its silver counterpart, so that may be a possibility. Are there any others? Footnotes: Cyrus the Great (550–530 BC) introduced coins to the Persian Empire after 546 BC. Persian Daric Persian Siglos
Siglos should be affordable, at least they used to be. Otherwise could go with a fourree (siglos with a bronze core), they also make smaller denominations such as a quarter siglos ect. There are also bronze issues if you are interested in the later Dynasty.
from the time of Cyrus, i think there is only the lion / bull type coins http://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=323710 The Persian style siglos and daric weren't introduced until the reign of Darius the Great here is mine. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. Time of Darios I to Xerxes I, circa 505-480 BC. Siglos (Silver, 13mm, 5.28 g), Sardes. Persian king, wearing radiate tiara, in running/kneeling stance to right, shooting bow; to left, uncertain countermark Rev. Oblong incuse. Carradice Type II, pl. XI, 12.
My oldest Persian is also my smallest coin... Persian Achaemenid Empire Darius I 510-486 BC AR 0.11g 5mm Persian hero-king in running-kneeling position Oblong incuse Klein 758 Rare I also have a Siglos from Darius I: Persian Empire - Achamenid - Type III Spear over shoulder Darius I to Xerxes II Ca 485-420 BCE AR Siglos, Bankers Marks, Incuse punch reverse
I bought a sweet example when I was a total "Noob" ... luckily, I bought it from a dude that ended-up being my favourite!! => here is my cool lion & bull Lydia AR Siglos 545-520 BC
