Æ22 - Vespasian ΕΠΙ Μ ΜΑΙΚΙΟΥ ΡΟΥΦΟΥ ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΟΥ

Maicius Rufus served as proconsul of Bithynia-Pontus under Vespasian, and his name appearing on the coin's legend reflects the Roman provincial practice of dating issues by the presiding magistrate rather than by regnal year — a convention that makes precise attribution dependent on cross-referencing his known tenure with Vespasian's reign. The Koinon of Bithynia, the league of cities managing the province's collective cult and civic interests, retained the right to strike bronze coinage under imperial oversight, a privilege that distinguished it from provinces where Rome controlled all minting activity.