Pontos, Nikopolis ad Lykos
Lucius Verus. 161-169 CE
AE 24.5mm 9.86g
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤⲰΡ ΟΥΗ[ΡΟϹ ϹЄΒ?, laureate bust cuirass and paludamentum right.
Rev: ΝЄΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤⲰΝ ЄΤ ϞΑ, Zeus seated left, holding Nike and long sceptre.
RPC Online IV.3, 10742 (same dies)
Nikopolis ad Lykos was founded by Pompey in 63 BCE to commemorate his victory over Mithridates VI. Today, it’s located near modern Koyulhisar in the Lycus River Valley.
At one time, all the major highways in Pontos stemmed from Nikomedia ad Lykos. It fell eventually under the rule of Aristoboulos, then was annexed into the Roman Empire by Nero.
Its coinage is rare and was minted from the time of Trajan to Marcus Aurelius. Thus, the city was never a major center. After an earthquake in 499, the damage was deemed irreparable and the site was abandoned. Zeus is its most popular subject, and the rest are fairly common reverses with the notable exception of a Koinon of Armenia medallion.
Nikopolis ad Lykos founded by Pompey
Nikopolis ad Lykos ruled by Aristoboulos
Nikopolis ad Lykos annexed to the Roman Empire by Nero
Nikopolis ad Lykos destroyed by an earthquake