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Æ41 - Commodus ΕΠΙ ϹΤΡ Π ΑΙ (Ε)ΙΟΥ ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΦΕϹ (ΩΝ)
| Issuer | City of Pergamum (Conventus of Pergamum) |
|---|---|
| Year | 180-182 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse lettering | ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥΡΗ ΚΟΜΟΔΟϹ |
| Reverse description | Homonoia composition depicting two civic cult figures flanking a central flying Nike: to the left, the cult statue of Artemis of Ephesus stands facing, wearing the kalathos (cylindrical headdress) and supported by lateral column-like props in the canonical Ephesian manner; to the right, Asclepius, patron deity of Pergamum, stands facing with head turned to the left, holding his serpent-entwined staff (caduceus), with an omphalos at his feet. Between the two deities, a small Nike flies facing and extends her arms to crown both figures simultaneously, symbolising the Homonoia (civic concord) between Pergamum and Ephesus. The reverse legend, disposed in the field and around the periphery, records the name of the strategos and identifies the alliance. |
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The homonoia coinage between Pergamum and Ephesus reflects an intense civic rivalry conducted through diplomacy rather than conflict. Both cities competed obsessively for the title of "first city of Asia," and these alliance coins — issued when the two agreed, temporarily, to share prestige — were a calculated public statement, not a gesture of goodwill. The strategos named in the inscription, P. Aelius Eioukos, anchors this piece to the early reign of Commodus, when such inter-city negotiations were brokered partly to secure imperial favor.
At 41mm, this is among the largest format bronzes in the provincial Pergamene series.