Very rare coin, not even in the largest collections. For example, in the huge collection of von Aulock there are 23 coins of Alexander Severus from this mint, but such a coin is not there.
An absolute rarity in provincial bronzes.
Roman Provincial
Bithynia, Nicaea, Severus Alexander (222-235), AE21 222-235, Nicaea mint
Obverse: laureate head right
M AVP CEVH AΛEΞANΔPOC A
Reverse: prize crown containing palm branch
ΝΙΚΑΙЄΩΝ
Weight 4.43 g
Bithynia is a mountainous but fertile land on the Black Sea in the north-west of Asia Minor. An independent kingdom was established there in 297 BC. Gradually dependent on Rome, it was transformed into its province. The city of Nicaea lay on the shores of a lake, about 40 km from the coast of Propontis. It was founded by the Thracians in the 7th century BC. Originally called Ancore, Antigonos demolished the city in 316 BC and called them Antigoneia. Once again he changed his name to Lysimachus, naming it after his wife Nikai.
