Coin of Mithradates VI, Amastris c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a coin from Amastris, created under the authority of Mithradates VI Eupator. Its weight is measured at 7.99 grams. Editor: Wow, it's like holding a tiny, weathered story in your hand. I sense resilience in the faded details—as if it's whispering tales of an ancient world. Curator: Absolutely. Coinage under Mithradates served as a potent tool for projecting power and consolidating his rule, particularly in a region undergoing Roman expansion. The imagery, I imagine, was carefully selected. Editor: Definitely gives off "divine ruler" vibes. The sun-like rays emanating from the portrait scream legitimized authority. Curator: Precisely. But there are also elements of cultural hybridity at play. The blending of Greek and Persian motifs speaks volumes about the complex cultural landscape he navigated. Editor: It's like a visual argument, staking claims in a visual language that everyone understood. These aren't just pretty pictures; they're assertions of power, identity, and belonging. Curator: It is a potent reminder that even the smallest artifacts can tell us so much about identity and power. Editor: You’re right, it's not just a coin; it's a pocket-sized manifesto.