Æ29 - Gordian III ΕΠΙ ϹΤΡ Μ ΙΟΥ ΗΡΑΚΛΑ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ

Metropolis was a minor Ionian city of modest political weight, but its civic coinage under Gordian III reflects the intense competition among Asian cities for imperial favor during this period. The strategos Μ. Ιου. Ηρακλας, whose name appears in the magistrate formula, was a local official responsible for overseeing the issue — a common administrative arrangement in the Conventus of Ephesus, where civic bronzes required magistrate endorsement rather than central imperial authorization.

Gordian III's reign saw a notable surge in provincial bronze output across Ionia, partly filling gaps left by disruptions to central silver supply following the chaos of 238 AD's six-emperor year.