Nicaea was among the most prolific provincial minting cities in Bithynia, and issues under Septimius Severus reflect the city's eagerness to demonstrate loyalty following the civil wars of 193 AD — the so-called Year of the Five Emperors. Nicaea had backed Pescennius Niger, the losing claimant, and continued minting in Severus's name was partly a civic act of political rehabilitation.
The small module places this among the lowest-denomination bronzes in local circulation, handled daily and discarded without ceremony.
Nicaea was among the most prolific provincial minting cities in Bithynia, and issues under Septimius Severus reflect the city's eagerness to demonstrate loyalty following the civil wars of 193 AD — the so-called Year of the Five Emperors. Nicaea had backed Pescennius Niger, the losing claimant, and continued minting in Severus's name was partly a civic act of political rehabilitation.
The small module places this among the lowest-denomination bronzes in local circulation, handled daily and discarded without ceremony.