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

Editor: Here we have a coin, "Coin of Mithradates VI, Amisos," made by Mithradates VI Eupator. What strikes me is how much wear and tear it has endured; it’s beautiful. What does this object say to you? Curator: Consider the social context. These coins weren't just currency; they were tools of propaganda. The material itself—likely silver—speaks to the resources available and the power of Mithradates to control both its extraction and distribution. Editor: Propaganda? Curator: Yes! Each strike of the die, each coin produced, reinforced his image and authority. Who controlled the mint, the labor, and the metals, controlled the narrative. It's less about aesthetic beauty and more about power manifested in material form. Editor: That definitely gives me a different perspective on its creation and circulation. Thanks! Curator: It’s all about seeing the means of production.