Darius Ring

The diademed and draped bust of King Darius II, adorned with a Parthian-style tiara, a distinctive headdress marked by a crescent. This tiara symbolises royal authority and divine favour, reflecting the blending of Persian and Parthian influences in the region’s art and governance.

The kingdom of Persis, situated in the heartland of the ancient Persian Empire, was a significant cultural and political centre. Although under the suzerainty of the Parthian Empire during Darius II’s reign, Persis retained a strong sense of its Achaemenid heritage, which is evident in the iconography of this coin. The diadem, a symbol of kingship, alongside the Parthian tiara, illustrates the dual identity of Persis as both a vassal state and a proud successor of the great Persian kings.

On the reverse, the coin depicts King Darius II standing left, holding a sceptre in his left hand, a symbol of his sovereign authority, while performing a sacrificial ritual before a fire altar. The fire altar, central to Zoroastrian worship, underscores the importance of religion in the king’s role as both a temporal and spiritual leader. The act of sacrifice depicted here reflects the Zoroastrian belief in maintaining the cosmic order through proper ritual and devotion to Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity.

• Coin Ø 19mm

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Each ancient coin and artefact used in our jewellery has been restored and professionally stabilised to ensure it can be enjoyed for lifetimes. Patina, the natural toning and oxidation on silver, bronze, and copper coins, is not dirt; it is a protective layer formed over hundreds of years, adding to the coin’s unique history. Conservation efforts aim to stabilise and preserve these valuable patinas whenever possible. Silver naturally tones over time, developing a soft to deep grey with brighter highlights on raised surfaces. This toning is highly coveted, adding a touch of age and beauty to the coin’s details that only time can provide.

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