Æ27 - Valerian and Gallienus ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ Α ΑϹΙΑϹ

Ephesus held the title of "First of Asia" — the *neokoros* rank and the privilege of hosting the imperial cult — and coins asserting this precedence were a direct instrument of civic competition. Rival cities like Smyrna and Pergamon disputed the title relentlessly, and Ephesus used every available medium, coinage included, to press its claim. The joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus, following their accession after Aemilian's brief and violent end in 253, offered a fresh opportunity to court the new dynasty with honorific issues.