Drachm of Mithradates II of Parthia, Rhagai c. 123 - 188

Curator: This is a silver drachm, a coin minted by Mithradates II of Parthia, likely in Rhagai. Editor: Wow, it looks like it's been on a journey. It carries such a weighty, worn history. Curator: Indeed. As currency issued by Mithradates, this coin offers a tangible connection to the Parthian Empire, its economic systems, and its ruler's self-representation. The portrait is intriguing. Editor: Absolutely, that profile! All those intricate beaded details...It's like peering across centuries, wondering about the artisan's hands and the king's intentions. I wonder what stories this little coin could tell. Curator: It speaks volumes about power, legitimacy, and the visual language of empire. Coins are powerful ideological tools, not merely monetary ones. Editor: Absolutely, it's more than just a coin; it’s a tiny, durable echo of a world long past, whispering of trade, conquest, and lives lived.