Æ22 - Philip I ΙΕΡΑΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ Κ ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ

The homonoia (alliance) coinage struck between Hierapolis in Phrygia and Ephesus represents a formal civic friendship, likely negotiated to smooth commercial or religious rivalries between two cities competing aggressively for prestige under Philip I. Ephesus held the title of neokoros — temple warden of the imperial cult — multiple times over, and Hierapolis was not shy about asserting its own religious importance, centered on the sanctuary of Apollo and the famous Plutonion. These joint issues were a diplomatic instrument as much as a monetary one.