Æ27 - Septimius Severus ΚΥΖΙΚΗΝΩΝ ΝΕΟΚΟΡ

Cyzicus held the title of neokoros — temple warden of the imperial cult — and wore it conspicuously on its coinage. The designation ΝΕΟΚΟΡ advertised the city's religious status within the provincial hierarchy, a distinction actively competed for among the major cities of Asia Minor and granted by the Roman Senate, often as a reward for loyalty or substantial financial contribution to Rome.

Septimius Severus made particular use of eastern civic pride during his campaigns against Pescennius Niger, and cities like Cyzicus that backed the right claimant in 193 were well positioned for precisely such honors.