Coin of Amisos, Time of Mithradates Eupator c. 120 - 163

Curator: This coin, minted in Amisos during the time of Mithradates Eupator, presents a fascinating glimpse into ancient political and economic power structures. Editor: It's humble in scale, but weighty with the implications of trade and control. The worn surface speaks volumes about its journey through time and hands. Curator: Absolutely. This coin signifies more than just monetary exchange; it represents the cultural and political ambitions of Mithradates, reflecting his complex identity and aspirations for regional dominance. How do you see the imagery connecting to this? Editor: Look at how the material bears the impressions of power: the portrait, the inscriptions, even the subtle texture resulting from its production. It's a direct, tangible link to the labor involved. The worn state of the coin points to its everyday usage, a real connection to lived history. Curator: Precisely. Its existence challenges our current narratives of power and invites us to decolonize our understanding of history through these accessible artifacts. Editor: A small object holding such large concepts! I find myself contemplating the hands that struck it, and the pockets it lined.