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

Editor: This is a coin from Amisos, Pontos, made by Mithradates VI. It feels heavy with history, doesn't it? What stories do you think it tells? Curator: More than we might initially imagine. This isn't just currency; it's a potent symbol of power and resistance. Mithradates VI challenged Roman expansion, advocating for the autonomy of Pontos and other Eastern kingdoms. What does that tell us about representation on currency? Editor: It’s a statement! An assertion of identity against an empire. Curator: Precisely! And who gets to control that narrative, both then and now, remains a vital question. Editor: That’s fascinating, a coin as an act of defiance. I never thought of it that way. Curator: It is a reminder that art, even in its smallest forms, can be a powerful tool for resistance.