Coin of SInope c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Sinope, made by Mithradates VI Eupator. What strikes me is the wear and tear, the sense of history embedded in the metal. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I focus on the coin's production. Consider the labor involved in extracting the metal, the societal structures enabling such a process. What materials were used, where did they originate, and how does the act of minting relate to royal power and trade? Editor: So you are saying that the very existence of this coin speaks to the material conditions of its creation? Curator: Precisely. The coin isn't just an image; it's a product of its environment, reflecting the resources, technologies, and social organization of its time. Thinking about this adds depth to our understanding. Editor: It really does change how you look at something like this, doesn't it? Thanks!