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

Editor: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI, from Amisos, Pontos. It’s small, and the details are worn, but it's still striking. What can you tell us about the role of this object in its time? Curator: Well, coinage wasn't just currency; it was a powerful tool of propaganda. Mithradates VI used these coins to project an image of power and legitimacy, especially vital for a ruler constantly battling Rome. Editor: Propaganda? How so? Curator: Consider the imagery. Royal portraits often linked the ruler to deities or heroic figures, reinforcing their authority. The very act of minting coins asserted control over the economy and proclaimed sovereignty. Editor: So, owning the means of production was also owning the narrative? Curator: Precisely. And the distribution of these coins throughout his kingdom directly influenced public perception and loyalty. It makes you wonder about the narratives we consume today. Editor: Definitely gives you a new perspective on everyday objects!