Nicaea was among the most prolific civic mints of Bithynia, and its output under Maximinus Thrax reflects the awkward position of Greek provincial cities under a soldier-emperor who had never set foot in the Senate house. Maximinus came to power through military acclamation in 235 AD after the assassination of Severus Alexander, and his three-year reign saw no visit to Rome — let alone the Greek East. Provincial mints like Nicaea continued operating largely on civic initiative, producing bronze for local exchange while the central authorities remained focused on the Rhine and Danube frontiers.
Nicaea was among the most prolific civic mints of Bithynia, and its output under Maximinus Thrax reflects the awkward position of Greek provincial cities under a soldier-emperor who had never set foot in the Senate house. Maximinus came to power through military acclamation in 235 AD after the assassination of Severus Alexander, and his three-year reign saw no visit to Rome — let alone the Greek East. Provincial mints like Nicaea continued operating largely on civic initiative, producing bronze for local exchange while the central authorities remained focused on the Rhine and Danube frontiers.