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

Curator: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI, from Amisos in Pontos. It weighs about 7.41 grams. Editor: It has a raw, almost brutal quality to it. The visible wear and tear speak volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the metal composition, its minting process; each coin was a product of very specific labor conditions and resource extraction tied to Mithradates' rule. Editor: And each one was a tool of propaganda, right? Circulating with the faces of power, constantly reminding people of the regime’s authority. Curator: Precisely. The imagery wasn't just aesthetic; it was about control of narrative, of projecting an image of strength. Editor: Looking at the coin's current condition, it seems almost rebellious. It whispers stories of resistance against power through its very survival. Curator: A lasting symbol, indeed, of ancient economics and political power. Editor: It gives a sobering glimpse into past lives and struggles.