Drachm of Mithradates II, Parthia c. 123 - 188

Editor: This is a Drachm of Mithradates II of Parthia, a silver coin. The images are quite worn, but one side depicts a ruler in profile, and the other possibly a seated figure. What symbolic weight might these images have carried? Curator: The image of Mithradates would have been instantly recognizable, solidifying his image as ruler, but more than that, it connected him to a lineage of power. The seated figure, potentially an archer, carries echoes of both Parthian martial prowess and, perhaps, a connection to older Iranian deities associated with kingship. Editor: So, the symbols weren't just about identifying the ruler, but linking him to cultural memory? Curator: Precisely. Coinage is a potent vehicle for cultural memory. They’re not just money. They tell stories, cement ideologies, and reinforce power structures through visual language that resonated deeply with the populace. What do you make of the fact that these symbols and images survived for so long? Editor: It’s fascinating how these images have persisted. I hadn’t considered the staying power of symbols in something as commonplace as a coin. Curator: Indeed, these objects are small, but speak volumes.