Æ43 - Caracalla ΕΠΙ ϹΤΡ Μ ΚΑΙΡΕΛ ΑΤΤΑΛΟΥ ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝΩΝ ΠΡΩΤΩΝ Γ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ

Pergamum's claim to the title "first and greatest metropolis of Asia" was fiercely contested by Ephesus and Smyrna throughout the imperial period, and the triple neokorate designation recorded in this coin's legend was a hard-won status — each neokorate awarded by Rome in recognition of an imperial cult temple. By Caracalla's reign Pergamum held three, which it advertised aggressively on its coinage. The strategos Μ. Καιρέλιος Ἄτταλος named in the legend served as the city's chief magistrate during the issue.

Pieces of this module — pushing 43mm and over 40g — were produced for ceremonial and festival use rather than everyday exchange.