Sinope, the Black Sea colony originally founded by Miletus, held Roman colonial status from Julius Caesar's refoundation in 45 BC — one of the earliest Roman colonies established in the eastern provinces. By the reign of Claudius, the city was issuing its own colonial bronze, and the magistrate abbreviation "C I F" on this piece refers to the colony's formal title, Colonia Iulia Felix. The year 54–55 places this coin at the very end of Claudius's reign; he died in October 54, meaning production may have straddled the accession of Nero.
Sinope, the Black Sea colony originally founded by Miletus, held Roman colonial status from Julius Caesar's refoundation in 45 BC — one of the earliest Roman colonies established in the eastern provinces. By the reign of Claudius, the city was issuing its own colonial bronze, and the magistrate abbreviation "C I F" on this piece refers to the colony's formal title, Colonia Iulia Felix. The year 54–55 places this coin at the very end of Claudius's reign; he died in October 54, meaning production may have straddled the accession of Nero.