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

Curator: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI Eupator, from Amisos in Pontos. It weighs 7.45 grams. Editor: It feels… substantial. Evokes a weightiness beyond its size, like holding a little piece of history in your palm. Curator: Indeed. Think of the social structures, the trade routes, all materialized in this one object. How the raw materials were sourced, the labor of its production. Editor: And the image, though worn, has an otherworldly quality. Like a faded dream imprinted on metal. I see a figure, perhaps a deity, almost dancing. Curator: That depiction ties directly to Mithradates' self-presentation as a divinely sanctioned ruler, legitimizing his power through imagery. Editor: It’s more than just propaganda, though, isn’t it? There’s a genuine artistry here, a dedication to conveying a specific message. Curator: Absolutely. This coin acts as a tangible link to a complex historical and economic network, a potent symbol of power. Editor: To hold this is to touch a whisper of the past, of power and artistry intertwined. Curator: Precisely. A lasting testament to human ingenuity.