Æ26 - Commodus ΚΥΖΙΚΗΝΩΝ ΝΕΟΚ (Ρ)

Cyzicus held the title of neokoros — temple warden of the imperial cult — and its coins advertising that status were as much political currency as commercial. The abbreviation ΝΕΟΚ on this issue signals the city's official recognition as a cult center, a designation fiercely competed for among cities of Asia Minor and granted by the Roman Senate. Cyzicus had long cultivated imperial favor; it was one of the most strategically positioned ports on the Propontis, and its loyalty was worth rewarding.

The reign of Commodus saw a marked expansion of provincial neokorate coinage, partly because the emperor actively encouraged divine honors during his lifetime.