Æ25 - Gordian III ΚΥΖΙΚΗΝΩΝ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ

Cyzicus held the rare distinction of multiple neokorate titles — the right to maintain an imperial cult temple — granted by successive emperors as a reward for loyalty and financial contributions to Rome. The plural form ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ in the legend reflects this accumulated status, which the city defended fiercely in civic rivalries with Pergamon and Smyrna. Under Gordian III, provincial bronze production at Cyzicus was substantial, tied partly to the young emperor's Persian campaigns and the logistical demands they placed on Asia Minor's cities.