Æ31 - Septimius Severus ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ

Nicaea was one of the most prolific municipal mints in Bithynia, and its output under Septimius Severus reflects the city's eagerness to align itself with the new dynasty following the chaos of 193 AD — the Year of the Four Emperors. Cities across the Greek East competed to issue bronze coinage honoring Severus quickly, partly as political signaling after years of civil war between Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus, and Severus himself. Nicaea had backed the winning side.