IONIA, Ephesos
AE21. 5.2g, 20.7mm
MINTED: IONIA Ephesos, circa 48-27 BC. Demetrios, Kokos and Sopatros, magistrates.
REF: BMC 182-184
OBVERSE: Bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder.
REVERSE: EΦ ΔHMHTPIOΣ / KΩKOΣ / ΣΩΠATPOΣ, Two stags standing facing each other, torch between.
 
Grade/Notes:
Very Fine.  Attractive dusky green and earthen patina.
 
Historical Notes:
Ephesos was the most prominent of the Greek cities founded in Ionia, reaching the height of its size, wealth, and political and commercial significance after it came under Roman control in 129 BC, and particularly when Emperor Augustus made it the capital of the Roman province of Asia.  At its peak, up to 200,000 inhabitants may have lived in Ephesos, and the city was famous for its magnificent Temple of Artemis, one the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and also boasted an excellent harbour and a 25,000-seat amphitheatre, one of the largest in antiquity.