Æ16 - Septimius Severus ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ

Nicaea was among the most prolific civic minting authorities in Bithynia under the Severan dynasty, and competition with neighboring Nicomedia for honorary titles and imperial favor drove much of that output. The city held the title of metropolis and fought tenaciously — through coinage, embassies, and litigation before the emperor — to defend it against Nicomedia's rival claims throughout Septimius Severus's reign.

Small bronzes of this module circulated at the lowest level of daily commerce, and attrition was high.