Æ36 - Septimius Severus ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ ΔΙϹ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ

Ephesus held the title of neokoros — temple warden of the imperial cult — twice over by the Severan period, a distinction the city advertised aggressively on its coinage. The ΔΙϹ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ inscription was not ceremonial modesty; it was a direct assertion of civic rank in a province where cities competed bitterly for honorary titles granted by Rome.

Septimius Severus awarded and confirmed neokorate honors selectively, using them as political instruments during his consolidation of power after defeating his rivals Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus.