Æ29 - Trajan Decius ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ Α ΑϹΙΑϹ

Ephesus held the title primera — first city of Asia — jealously, and the ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ Α ΑϹΙΑϹ inscription on civic bronzes was a direct assertion of that precedence over rival Smyrna, which contested the designation throughout the third century. The competition was not merely ceremonial: it determined which city hosted the imperial cult, controlled associated revenues, and attracted the prestige of provincial assemblies.

Trajan Decius reigned barely two years before dying at the Battle of Abritus in June 251, the first Roman emperor killed in battle against a foreign enemy. Provincial bronze production under his name is consequently limited in duration.