Æ25 - Septimius Severus ΚΥΖΙΚΗ (ΩΝ) ΝΕ (or Ω)Κ (Ρ)

Cyzicus was one of the wealthiest and most politically connected cities in the Conventus of its region, and its civic bronze issues under Septimius Severus reflect a city actively courting imperial favor during a dynasty still consolidating power after the chaos of 193 AD — the Year of the Four Emperors. The abbreviated ethnic legend variants, including the contested ΝΕΩ(Κ)ΟΡΩΝ readings, suggest multiple die phases or workshop hands across a reign spanning nearly two decades.

Neokorate status — the right to maintain an imperial cult temple — was a coveted civic honor, and Cyzicus held it. The legend variants on this type likely track distinct grants or reaffirmations of that status under Severus.