Coin of Mithradates III of Parthia 57 BCE-54 BCE

Curator: Here we have a coin minted during the reign of Mithradates III of Parthia. Editor: It's quite small but striking, with a palpable sense of history—the textures speak volumes. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were crucial for disseminating power and validating rule through symbolic representation. Editor: One side depicts what appears to be the king, but the other—a stag? Is that its symbolic function? Curator: Precisely. Royal hunts were integral to Parthian political culture; the stag evokes the king's power and legitimacy. Editor: The minimal lines are incredibly effective given their limited surface—economy of form serving political might. Curator: Absolutely, and understanding the coin's context—its materiality, imagery, and circulation—allows us insight into Parthian society and governance. Editor: It shows us how much information and cultural significance can be packed into such a small artifact.