Æ26 - Valerian and Gallienus ΕФΕϹΙΩΝ Δ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ

Ephesus held the title of neokoros — temple warden — four times over, a distinction awarded by Rome that the city defended jealously through embassies, civic expenditures, and relentless political lobbying. The Δ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ legend on this issue advertises that fourth wardenship, granted under the joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus, when Ephesus was competing fiercely with Smyrna and Pergamon for provincial prestige. Provincial bronze of this period was funded and authorized locally, making it as much a civic document as a coin.