Nicaea was one of the most prolific municipal mints in Bithynia, issuing bronze coinage across nearly every reign of the High Empire. Under Septimius Severus, the city had particular reason to demonstrate loyalty — it had backed Pescennius Niger during the civil war of 193–194, and civic bronze output in the aftermath likely carried an element of political rehabilitation toward the eventual victor.
Nicaea was one of the most prolific municipal mints in Bithynia, issuing bronze coinage across nearly every reign of the High Empire. Under Septimius Severus, the city had particular reason to demonstrate loyalty — it had backed Pescennius Niger during the civil war of 193–194, and civic bronze output in the aftermath likely carried an element of political rehabilitation toward the eventual victor.