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

Editor: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI, likely from Amisos, Pontos. Considering its material and aged texture, what can you tell us about its production and social context? Curator: Well, consider that coins weren't just currency, but tools of propaganda. The very act of minting – the labour, the materials sourced – it all spoke to Mithradates' power and control. Who controlled these resources and processes? Editor: That's fascinating. So it's less about the imagery itself, and more about what the creation of the imagery represented? Curator: Precisely. The circulation of these coins facilitated trade, but also cemented Mithradates' presence in the everyday lives of his people. What was the value of the metal itself? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. It really shifts my perspective on ancient artifacts. Curator: Indeed. Examining the materiality of the coin opens up broader questions about ancient economics and power dynamics.