Æ27 - Valerian and Gallienus ΕФΕϹΙΩΝ Δ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ

Ephesus held the title of neokoros — temple warden to the imperial cult — multiple times over, and the Δ (delta) prefix here declares a fourth such wardenship, a distinction the city fought hard to obtain and harder to advertise. These grants were awarded by the Roman Senate and jealously contested among the great cities of Asia Minor; Smyrna and Pergamon were perpetual rivals for the same honors. Coinage was the primary vehicle for broadcasting the achievement.

The joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus lasted only until 260, when Valerian was captured by Shapur I at the Battle of Edessa — the only Roman emperor taken prisoner in battle.