Æ30 - Septimius Severus ΗΡΑΚΛΗΑϹ ΕΝ ΠΟΝΤΩ

Heraclea Pontica had a complicated relationship with Rome by the time Septimius Severus came to power — the city had sided with Pescennius Niger during the civil war of 193–194, and Severus punished it severely after Niger's defeat, stripping Heraclea of its civic privileges and reducing it to a village under Amastris. The local bronze coinage struck in Severus's name from this city therefore occupies a narrow and politically fraught window, likely predating or immediately surrounding that punishment rather than reflecting a comfortable provincial loyalty.