Coin of SInope c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a Coin of Sinope, created by Mithradates VI Eupator, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It appears worn, telling a silent story of hands it must have passed through. What stories do you think it could tell? Curator: Oh, this little coin whispers tales of power, doesn't it? Mithradates, a king who fancied himself a bit of a sorcerer, battling the Romans, a true historical drama in miniature. Do you see the eagle there? Symbol of kingship, of course. Editor: It's almost like holding history in your hand. I can see the eagle, barely. So this coin wasn’t just money, but propaganda too? Curator: Exactly! Coins were the Instagram of the ancient world. Everyone saw them, and every image was carefully chosen. Imagine this coin, fresh from the mint, circulating – a statement of Mithradates’ might. What do you make of that? Editor: Wow, now I am imagining. It’s interesting how something so small can carry so much weight. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, it makes you wonder what stories our everyday objects will tell centuries from now. Food for thought!