Æ25 - Septimius Severus ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΙΔΕΩΝ

Apollonis was a minor Lydian city of little political consequence, dependent entirely on the goodwill of whichever Roman governor controlled the Pergamene conventus. Local bronze issues like this one were struck to facilitate small-scale market transactions that Roman imperial coinage, minted far away in denominations too large for daily commerce, simply could not serve. The city's autonomy to strike bronze was a practical concession, not a privilege of prestige.

The reign of Septimius Severus saw a notable uptick in civic bronze production across the Greek east, partly driven by his military campaigns straining the silver supply.