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Æ19 - Commodus ϹΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ
| Issuer | Smyrna (Conventus of Smyrna) |
|---|---|
| Year | 175-200 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
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| Reverse description | A warship prow shown in three-quarter perspective facing right, rendered in the characteristic Smyrnaean civic bronze tradition, evoking the city's maritime prestige and naval heritage. The encircling Greek legend ϹΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ, meaning 'of the Smyrnaeans', arcs around the design in the field. The prow is depicted with a decorative scroll at the bow and an oar visible along the hull. |
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| Additional information |
Smyrna was among the most politically assertive cities in the Greek East, aggressively cultivating imperial favor throughout the second century. Under Commodus, the city held the rare title of "thrice neokoros" — meaning it had received permission to build three imperial cult temples — a distinction it fought to defend against rival cities like Ephesus and Pergamon in what became a prolonged, at times bitter, civic competition adjudicated by Rome.
Local bronze of this size circulated almost entirely within the city's own market economy, never leaving the conventus.