Coin of Mithradates VI, Amastris c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI, struck in Amastris. It's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Well, first impression? It feels powerful, almost weighty, despite its small size. The wear and tear give it a tangible connection to the past. Curator: Absolutely. Mithradates, who was quite the character, likely had these minted to assert his authority. Notice the stylized portrait—the strong jawline and elaborate headdress speak to a calculated image. Editor: Yes, and the reverse side, though worn, still suggests a figure, perhaps a deity, further legitimizing his rule? The composition, even in its deteriorated state, retains a certain dignity. Curator: Exactly! And considering Mithradates's ambition and struggles against Rome, this little coin becomes a potent symbol of resistance, a tangible expression of his self-image. Editor: It’s amazing how such a small object can hold so much history and personal expression. Curator: Indeed. It invites us to ponder the weight of leadership and the stories embedded in the everyday objects of the past.