Drachm of Mithridates III of Parthia 57-54 BCE

Curator: This is a Drachm of Mithridates III of Parthia, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums and weighing 3.78 grams. Editor: There's something stark about its simplicity, a solemn reflection cast in metal. Curator: Coins like this are incredible social artifacts. Mithridates III ruled during a period of intense political instability, and this drachm speaks to the power dynamics at play. It's not just currency; it's a statement of legitimacy, a tool for shaping public perception and solidifying his place in a contested history. Editor: Look at the profile, though—the crisp lines, the subtle variations in relief. Even in this miniature form, there's a clear intention to convey authority, a visual language of power. Curator: Absolutely, and that authority is tied to a complex web of cultural and political narratives. The imagery, the very act of minting the coin, all reinforce a specific ideological framework. Editor: I find myself drawn to the physical qualities. The wear and tear, the metal itself. There's a tactile connection to the past. Curator: Right, and acknowledging that materiality allows us to consider the coin not just as a symbol, but as an object with its own biography. Editor: It's quite remarkable, isn't it? To see how an object so small can contain such a wealth of formal and historical information.