Æ34 - Caracalla ΕΠΙ ΑΝ ΡΟΥΦΟΥ ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Γ, ϹΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ

The homonoia ("concord") coinage struck jointly between Sardes and Ephesus reflects the intense civic rivalry between major cities of Roman Asia Minor, where inter-city agreements were formalized in bronze and publicly displayed as proof of alliance. Ephesus held the title of metropolis of the province; Sardes, as seat of the conventus juridicus, was not about to concede cultural or political subordination. These joint issues were as much competitive posturing as they were diplomatic gesture.

The magistrate named in the legend, Rufus, served as archon — the presiding civic official whose name authenticated the issue. His first term in office is distinguished from subsequent tenure by the ΑΡΧ Α ΤΟ Γ formula, indicating a third iteration of the magistracy.