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

Editor: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI from Amisos, Pontos. It’s small, worn, and seems unassuming, but something about its age is intriguing. How do you interpret its significance? Curator: This coin's materiality speaks volumes. Look at the labor involved in its production, from the mining of the metal to the die-cutting and striking. Consider its circulation; it facilitated trade and power. How does its value, both intrinsic and symbolic, reflect the social and economic structures of the time? Editor: So you’re less focused on the imagery and more on the coin as a material object embedded in a larger system? Curator: Precisely. The coin is more than just an image; it's a tangible representation of the political economy of Mithradates' kingdom. Think about the impact such objects had on everyday life. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective on it! Thanks.