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

Editor: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI from Amisos, though the specific date is unknown. The material looks like bronze, and it's quite small. What strikes me is how charged with symbolism such a small object appears. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Absolutely. Notice the radiating sunburst around the face of Apollo. This isn't just decoration; it’s a visual assertion of divine power, a claim to legitimacy and perhaps even divinity by Mithradates. What emotions does the image evoke for you? Editor: Definitely power, maybe even a hint of arrogance? It's a powerful statement for such a small object. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Small objects can carry immense cultural weight, condensing complex ideas into portable symbols that resonated then, and continue to intrigue us now.