Æ37 - Gordian III ΠΑΡ ΒΑΚΧΙΟΥ ΠΑΝ ΑΠΑΜΕΩΝ, ΝΩΕ (on ark)

Apamea in Phrygia claimed a direct connection to the biblical Flood narrative, identifying itself as the landing site of Noah's ark — a tradition so entrenched that the city placed it on coinage repeatedly across several reigns. The name ΝΩΕ inscribed on the ark is among the earliest appearances of Noah's name on any struck metal object in the ancient world.

The city's Greek name, Kibotos, meant "chest" or "box" — almost certainly a reference to the ark tradition rather than coincidence.