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Æ16 - Septimius Severus ϹΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ
| Issuer | Smyrna (Conventus of Smyrna) |
|---|---|
| Year | 193-211 |
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| Composition | Bronze |
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| Reverse description | Ship's prow oriented to the right, rendered in profile with clearly defined hull timbers and a prominent stempost. Beneath the prow, a dolphin is depicted swimming to the left, a common marine symbol in the coinage of the port city of Smyrna. The ethnic legend ϹΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ arcs across the upper field, identifying the issuing civic authority. The reverse type evokes the maritime character and commercial importance of the city. |
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| Reverse lettering | ϹΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ (Translation: of the Smyrneans) |
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| Additional information |
Smyrna was among the most competitive cities in the Roman province of Asia when it came to imperial honors, and the civic pride embedded in its bronze coinage was deliberate policy. The city had aggressively courted Septimius Severus early in his reign, positioning itself favorably during the civil wars of 193 — the Year of the Five Emperors — when municipal loyalty to the right claimant carried real political consequences.
At 2.29g, this piece sits at the lighter end of the Æ16 series from this mint, possibly reflecting metal economy during periods of military spending pressure on provincial bronze supplies.