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

Curator: This artifact is a silver coin from Amisos, Pontos, issued by Mithradates VI Eupator. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small object can evoke such a strong sense of history. There's a somber, almost ghostly quality to the worn surfaces. Curator: Indeed. The coin’s imagery, meticulously rendered within a limited space, speaks volumes. We see a thyrsos, indicative of Dionysian worship, on one side. Editor: And on the other, a figure holding a palm branch. The composition, despite its diminutive scale, maintains a striking balance. Consider the use of line and relief. Curator: Such imagery was not merely decorative. It served as propaganda, asserting Mithradates’ power and divine connections to consolidate rule. Editor: Exactly. The coin wasn't just currency; it was a carefully constructed message, distributed widely to shape public perception. A potent symbol of the state. Curator: Analyzing its materiality and composition does reveal the deliberate construction of power. Editor: And by examining its historical distribution, we better understand how this power was manifested and maintained. Both perspectives are crucial.