Darius II-Artaxerxes II (5th-4th centuries BC). AV daric (15mm, 8.35 gm). NGC Choice AU 5/5 – 4/5. Persian king or hero, wearing cidaris and candys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, drapery in long curve from left knee to right ankle, right knee obscured by drapery, transverse spear in right hand, bow forward in left / Rectangular patterned incuse punch. Darius II was also known as Darius II Nothus, and people regarded him as the King of Kings of the First Persian Empire, or the Achaemenid Empire. He ruled from 423 BC to sometime between 405 and 404 BC, and displayed administrative brilliance and ambitious building projects throughout his reign. Darius II was recognized for his brilliance as a leader. Specifically, people commended his leadership because he was able to strengthen Persia during his time. He worked hard to build a superior country, where his conquered people lived in peace. Such an endeavor was crucial for a country that had just overcome a political upheaval.
