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Æ25 - Gallienus (sole reign) (ΕФΕϹΙΩΝ Δ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ, ΕΦΕϹΙΑ)
| Issuer | Mint of Ephesus |
|---|---|
| Year | 260-268 |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Reverse description | A large, elaborately decorated agonistic prize crown occupies the central field, depicted in dome form with a reticulated or basketwork surface and surmounted by a palm branch — the canonical symbol of victory in sacred games. Inscribed across the middle band of the crown is the name ΕΦΕϹΙΑ, identifying the specific festival. The composition celebrates Ephesus's prestigious status as neocorate city and host of the Ephesia games. The encircling legend proclaims the city's four-time neocorate honour. |
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| Mint | Ephesus (Ionia) |
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| Additional information |
Ephesus held the title of neokoros — official keeper of an imperial cult temple — multiple times over, and coins advertising that status were a form of civic boasting as much as currency. The legend proclaiming fourth neokorate rank reflects a hard-won privilege granted incrementally across successive imperial reigns, with Ephesus accumulating each title through political maneuvering and demonstrated loyalty to Rome.
Gallienus's sole reign followed the catastrophic capture of his father Valerian by Shapur I in 260 AD — the only Roman emperor ever taken prisoner by a foreign enemy. Provincial mints like Ephesus continued striking bronze civic issues largely on their own administrative momentum during this period.