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

Editor: This is a coin of Mithradates VI from Amisos, a small object, but brimming with history! What strikes me most is how worn it is. What do you think the images and inscriptions might have represented to people at the time? Curator: This coin is a potent symbol of Mithradates' reign. Look closely. One side displays a cornucopia, likely representing the prosperity he aimed to bring. The other shows a thunderbolt, a symbol of Zeus, alluding to divine power, reinforcing his authority. Editor: So the imagery was carefully chosen to send a specific message? Curator: Precisely. The coin served not only as currency but also as propaganda, a visual reminder of his power and promises, echoing cultural memories of earlier rulers who associated themselves with the gods. What lasting impressions do you believe remain? Editor: I now see the coin as a multi-layered object, reflecting how rulers intertwined their power with symbolic communication. Curator: Indeed, a testament to the enduring power of symbols to shape perception and cultural memory.