Æ17 - Marcus Aurelius ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ

Nicaea's civic bronze issues under Marcus Aurelius fall within a period when the emperor was deeply preoccupied with the Marcomannic Wars on the Danubian frontier — local mints across Bithynia continued striking on their own civic authority, largely independent of imperial direction. The ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ ethnic legend asserts that municipal identity plainly, as was standard for Greek civic coinage throughout the province.

The 175–177 window may place this coin after the revolt of Avidius Cassius, during which several eastern cities had awkward allegiances to account for once Marcus reasserted control.