Drachm of Ozroes II, Parthia 57 BCE- 37 BCE

Curator: Here we have a silver drachm, a coin minted during the reign of Ozroes II of Parthia, weighing in at just under 4 grams. Editor: It's intriguing how such a small object can carry so much weight, both literally and symbolically. The wear and tear only add to its mystique. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were not merely currency, but also propaganda tools, circulating images of the ruler to reinforce his power and legitimacy. The figure depicted, likely Ozroes himself, is rendered in a stylized, almost abstracted manner. Editor: The headdress is especially prominent, suggesting a claim to divine or royal authority—headwear being such a crucial symbol across cultures. The lines almost feel like pathways or rivers. Curator: Absolutely. And the inscription on the reverse would have further conveyed the ruler's message to his subjects, solidifying his presence across the Parthian realm. It's a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can tell expansive stories about power, belief, and cultural exchange. Editor: I agree. It speaks volumes about how meaning can be condensed into a single, potent image, enduring across centuries.