Achaemenid Lion Drachm Necklace

At its height, the Achaemenid Empire stretched across an extraordinary expanse of the ancient world, from the eastern Mediterranean deep into Asia. Its rulers governed a vast network of peoples, cities and provinces, connected by roads, trade and imperial administration.

Coinage formed part of this world. Alongside the better-known Persian darics and sigloi, a range of regional silver issues appeared within territories under Achaemenid influence and control.

One particularly striking issue, dated to the early to mid-4th century BC, was produced during the period of Artaxerxes II to Darios III at an uncertain mint in western Asia Minor. The coin is described as an AR drachm or tetrobol, measuring approximately 15.5 mm and weighing 3.37 g.

Its obverse bears the forepart of a lion facing right, a compact but powerful image that dominates the small silver surface. On the reverse appears a Persian king or hero wearing the characteristic kidaris and kandys, with a quiver over the shoulder, moving in the familiar kneeling-running stance while holding a spear and bow.

The combination of lion imagery and the armed Persian figure places the coin firmly within the visual language of Achaemenid authority and martial identity, while its uncertain western mint reflects the complexity of Persian rule across Asia Minor.

Inspired by this remarkable ancient issue, theAchaemenid Lion Drachm Necklace reimagines the lion of Achaemenid silver coinage in gold — carrying an image struck more than two thousand years ago into a piece designed to be worn today.