King of Persis, Uncertain King I, AR Hemidrachm, Early-mid 2nd century BC

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Description

Greek, King of Persis, Uncertain King, AR Hemidrachm (silver, 1.91g, 12.2mm), Early-mid 2nd century BC
Obv: Diademed head to right, wearing kyrbasia surmounted by eagle
Rev:  Fire temple, Ahura-Mazda above; to left, king standing right; to right, standard surmounted by eagle
Ref: Alram 552; Sunrise 578 Rarity/Choice: Common, aEF (nicely toned)
Note: The Kings of Persis were rulers of the Persis region in ancient Iran, which maintained semi-autonomy under various Persian empires, notably the Achaemenid and Seleucid.  The obverse of the coin depicts the king, identified by his diadem (a symbol of royalty), facing right. He wears a kyrbasia, a type of soft cap typically worn in the Persian region. The cap is surmounted by an eagle, symbolizing divine protection or royal authority. This imagery emphasizes the king’s power and connection to the divine. The reverse side of the coin features a Zoroastrian fire temple, a prominent religious symbol in Persis. Above the temple is Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, often represented as a radiant figure or a winged disc.  To the left of the fire temple, a king is depicted standing to the right. He is likely performing a religious or ceremonial act, emphasizing the close connection between religion and kingship in Persis. The eagle on the right symbolizes royal authority and protection.

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