IONIA. Ephesos, circa 180–67 BC. AR Cistophorus

IONIA. Ephesos, circa 180–67 BC. AR Cistophorus (29 mm, 12.69 g, 12h), Civic Year 21 = 139/8 BC. Cista mystica, from which serpent emerges; all within ivy wreath with berries. Rev. Two serpents entwined around bow case; above, Α–Κ; in left field, ΕΦΕ; in right field, double cornucopiae. Carbone VII (O8/R10?); Kleiner & Noe Series 34a; SNG von Aulock 1857. A classic type of the great silver cistophori, struck at Ephesos, one of the chief cities of Asia Minor under Attalid and then Roman influence. The obverse shows the sacred cista mystica, the ritual chest of Dionysos, from which a serpent emerges—an emblem of mystery cult and symbolic renewal. On the reverse, the serpents encircle a bow case, recalling Artemis, the city’s patron goddess, while the double cornucopiae emphasize prosperity and abundance. The magistrates’ marks Α–Κ and ΕΦΕ anchor the coin firmly in Ephesos’ civic coinage system, here precisely dated to year 21 = 139/8 BC.