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

Editor: Here we have a coin of Mithradates VI, King of Pontos. It's a small artifact, worn smooth with age. What can you tell me about how it was made? Curator: Well, the production of this coin speaks volumes. Its metal content reflects the economic resources available to Mithradates. The die-striking process, a form of mass production, allowed for the wide distribution of his image and message, impacting the social fabric of the time. Editor: So, it's not just about what the coin depicts, but how it was made and used? Curator: Precisely. The labor involved, the materials sourced, and the coin's circulation are all crucial to understanding its significance. What seems like a small object reveals extensive networks of power and trade. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about! Curator: Indeed, materiality shapes meaning.