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

Curator: Here we have a coin from Amisos in Pontos, crafted for Mithradates VI Eupator. It's a small object, 7.4 grams of potent symbolism. Editor: The heavy patinated silver gives it such a somber, aged feeling. You can feel the labor in each strike and the weight of its circulation. Curator: The imagery on the obverse, perhaps depicting Dionysus or a Maenad, speaks volumes about the cultural influences at play. The divine association intended to legitimise the ruler is palpable. Editor: Precisely, it's fascinating to think about the social and political economy embedded in such a small object. Who mined the silver, who struck the coin, and whose hands did it pass through? Curator: And beyond the material and labor, think of the psychological power it held. The coin as a symbol of authority, wealth, and control, a tiny piece of metal capable of shaping perceptions and behaviors. Editor: Indeed. It makes you consider how something so materially simple can carry such complex significance through its design and circulation. Curator: I find myself pondering the echoes of Mithradates' ambition, still resonating within this coin. Editor: For me, it's about the labor and process that created this artifact—a reminder of a complex system of human work and exchange.