What Is a Siglos?

A siglos was a silver coin issued by the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The modern name "siglos" comes from the Greek word σίγλος (siglos), which itself derives from the Akkadian/Babylonian word šiqlu, meaning "shekel" or "weight."

Like the daric, the exact ancient Persian name for the coin remains uncertain. The siglos served as the principal silver denomination of the Persian Empire.

When Was the Siglos Introduced?

The siglos was introduced during the reign of Darius I (522 to 486 BC), probably around 520 to 515 BC, alongside the gold daric. These reforms standardized Persian coinage across a vast empire.

Together, the daric and siglos formed the foundation of the Achaemenid monetary system.

Why Was the Siglos Important?

While gold darics were often used for large payments, military finance, and storing wealth, silver sigloi handled much of the empire's everyday commercial activity.

Its dependable silver content and consistent weight helped build confidence throughout the empire.

How Big Is a Siglos?

These standards remained remarkably consistent throughout much of the Achaemenid period.

What Is Depicted on a Siglos?

The siglos shares nearly the same design as the gold daric. The obverse depicts an idealized Persian Great King, often called the "Persian king" or "royal hero."

Like the daric, the reverse consists of a simple incuse punch created during striking.

Why Does the Persian King Look Like He's Running?

The famous "kneeling-running" pose is one of the defining features of Achaemenid coinage. Modern scholars generally interpret the figure as an idealized Persian Great King or royal hero shown in motion, symbolizing military readiness, royal authority, and the king's role as both warrior and protector of the empire.

Siglos vs. Daric

The siglos and daric worked together within the Persian monetary system.

One gold daric was generally valued at approximately twenty silver sigloi, although exchange rates could fluctuate depending on local economic conditions.

Who Could Strike Sigloi?

Like the gold daric, the standard Persian siglos was an imperial coin struck under royal authority. However, many satraps and cities within the Achaemenid Empire also issued their own local silver coinage based on regional traditions.

As a result, collectors encounter both official Persian sigloi and a wide variety of local silver issues that circulated alongside them.

Did Greeks Use Sigloi?

Yes. Greek merchants accepted Persian silver coins in trade, and many Greek mercenaries serving the Persian kings received their wages in sigloi. Many Greek mercenaries became thoroughly familiar with the siglos through military service.

Because western Asia Minor contained many Greek cities under Persian rule, the siglos circulated alongside Greek coinage for generations. This interaction influenced both Persian and Greek monetary history.

The Siglos and Greek Coinage

The Persian siglos circulated in many of the same regions where Greek cities struck drachms and staters. As a result, merchants frequently encountered both Persian and Greek monetary systems.

This coexistence illustrates the close economic ties, and political rivalry, between the Greek world and the Persian Empire.

Were Sigloi Mentioned in the Bible?

Unlike the Persian gold daric, the silver siglos is not specifically identified in biblical texts. References to Persian coinage in books such as Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Chronicles are generally associated with the gold daric (darkemon or adarkon) rather than the silver siglos.

Why Are Sigloi Important?

The siglos formed the silver backbone of the Achaemenid monetary system.

Together with the daric, it helped support the administration and economy of one of history's largest empires.

Are Ancient Sigloi Rare?

No. Compared with Persian gold darics, silver sigloi survive in much greater numbers. Many attractive examples remain affordable, making them one of the most accessible coins of the ancient Persian Empire for beginning collectors.

Rare varieties, exceptional preservation, and important provenances can command significantly higher prices.

Collecting Ancient Sigloi

Collectors appreciate sigloi for how much history they offer at an accessible price.

For collectors interested in the ancient Near East, the siglos is one of the best entry points into Persian numismatics. Overshadowed by its famous gold counterpart, the siglos nevertheless formed the silver foundation of the Persian Empire's economy. From paying soldiers and merchants to supporting one of history's greatest empires, this remarkable silver coin connected cultures across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Overshadowed by its famous gold counterpart, the siglos nevertheless formed the silver foundation of the Persian Empire's economy.

History wasn't just written. It was minted.

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