Coin of Dia, Time of Mithridates VI 

Curator: This is a coin from Dia, dating back to the time of Mithridates VI Eupator. It's a humble piece, weighing just under 8 grams. I'm struck by how much history is compressed into such a small space. Editor: It feels almost elemental, doesn't it? Like something plucked right out of the earth. The surfaces are so worn, it suggests endless journeys and transactions. Curator: Indeed. The obverse shows a portrait, likely of Mithridates himself. The reverse features an eagle, a symbol of power and divinity, perched atop what appears to be a thunderbolt. Editor: That eagle gives me a feeling of fierce independence despite the coin's weathered state. It's as though it's still proclaiming its sovereignty. Curator: The craftsmanship is remarkable, especially considering the period. The details, though faded, still hint at the skill of the engraver. Editor: Looking at this, you understand the power of symbols and how they persist, echoing through millennia. Curator: A tangible connection to a distant past. Editor: Yes, a pocket-sized echo.