Æ34 - Septimius Severus ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ ΔΙϹ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ

Ephesus held the title of neokoros — temple warden of the imperial cult — twice by the Severan period, a distinction fiercely competed among the great cities of Asia Minor and conferred by the Roman Senate. The inscription ΔΙϹ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ advertises exactly that dual status, a civic boast tied directly to the political maneuvering Ephesus undertook during Severus's consolidation of power after the civil wars of 193.

The conventus of Ephesus was the administrative and judicial hub of the Asia province, giving its mint unusual output volume under the Severans.