Æ18 - Septimius Severus ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ

Nicaea was among the most prolific issuers of provincial bronze under the Severan dynasty, a rivalry with neighboring Nicomedia playing out partly through the volume and ambition of their civic coinage. This small module sits at the low end of Nicaea's output for the period — workhorse circulation bronze, not a prestige issue.

The ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ ethnic on the reverse asserted civic identity at a moment when Bithynian cities were actively competing for imperial favor and honorific titles from Septimius Severus following his victory over Pescennius Niger in 194 AD.