Æ17 - Septimius Severus ΑΦΡΟΔΕΙϹΙΕΩΝ

Aphrodisias was an unusual city in the Roman provincial system — its close identification with the goddess Aphrodite, and by extension Venus, made it a particular favorite of Roman rulers seeking divine legitimacy. Septimius Severus, who came to power through civil war in 193 AD, had strong motivation to cultivate relationships with cities whose religious prestige could reinforce his contested claim. Local bronze issues like this one were produced entirely at civic expense, with the city controlling type selection and timing.

The Conventus of Alabanda was one of the judicial districts of the province of Asia, and Aphrodisias sat within it as a notably privileged city — holding free city status, which exempted it from direct Roman taxation.