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

Editor: So, this is a coin of Mithradates VI from Amisos, Pontos, it seems pretty old. It feels almost mystical, with those sun-like rays surrounding the face. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's like holding a whisper from antiquity, isn't it? The face, encircled by what you poetically call sun-rays, speaks of divine kingship, power radiating outwards. Do you feel that sense of calculated image-making? Editor: Definitely! It makes me wonder about the person behind the image, the actual king. Curator: Exactly! Mithradates wasn’t just a ruler; he was a self-promoter, crafting his image for eternity, or at least for as long as the coin survived. That’s power, isn’t it? To shape your own myth. Editor: I never thought about coins being little PR statements. I guess history is full of surprises! Curator: Indeed! And that's the magic of art, isn't it? It's a time capsule, whispering secrets if you know how to listen.