Coin of Mithradates VI, Amisos (Pontos) c. 2th century

Editor: This is a coin of Mithradates VI, from Amisos in Pontos. Its materiality speaks of history, but also of power. What can you tell us about this artifact? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda. Minted by Mithradates VI, it reflects his ambition to connect his rule with both Greek and Persian identities. How does seeing his face on this coin shape your understanding of his authority? Editor: It makes me think about how leaders then and now use images to project power. Curator: Exactly. Coins like this also circulated in diverse communities, forcing encounters with Mithradates’s image. Considering that, how might this coin have impacted social relations and perceptions of power? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thank you! Curator: It's crucial to consider the power dynamics inherent in visual representation.