This ancient bronze coin comes from **Kios, a city in Bithynia**, and was issued during the period of Roman rule. Although Rome held political power in the region, Kios retained some local authority. Coins like this are described as **semi-autonomous** because they were produced under Roman rule while preserving the city’s own identity and imagery.
The coin is associated with **Herakles and a galley**. Herakles was a widely recognized figure in the ancient Greek world, while the galley reflects the importance of ships and maritime activity to a coastal city such as Kios. Together, these images connect the coin to both local traditions and the city’s relationship with the sea.
As a small bronze coin, it would have served everyday commercial purposes. Today, it offers a glimpse into how a city in Bithynia maintained aspects of its Greek heritage while living within the Roman political world.
















