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

Curator: Here we have a coin, struck during the reign of Mithradates VI Eupator in Amisos, an ancient city of Pontos. Editor: It’s incredibly tactile. I can almost feel the cool weight of the metal in my hand, imagining the labor involved in its creation. Curator: The imagery is quite potent, isn't it? On one side, a depiction of Dionysus, wreathed in ivy, speaks to themes of power and divinity. Editor: And power is always tied to resources—the mines that yielded the metal, the workshops where artisans labored. It's all embedded in this tiny object. Curator: Absolutely. The coin served not only as currency but as a powerful symbolic tool, projecting Mithradates' authority and connecting him to enduring myths. Editor: Thinking about it, this coin is a testament to the enduring power of materials to shape our perception of the world. Curator: I agree. The coin resonates with echoes of empire and belief. Editor: It connects us to processes of ancient economies and to the people who were part of it.