BITHYNIA. Nicaea. Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Assarion (Bronze, 25 mm, 7.31 g, 12 h), C. Vibius Pansa Caetronianus, proconsul and governor of Bithynia et Pontus, CY 236 = 47/6. [ΝΙΚ]ΑΙΕΩΝ Bare head of Julius Caesar to right. Rev. ΕΠΙ ΓΑΙΟΥ - ΟΥΙΒΙΟΥ / ΠΑΝΣΑ / ϚΛΣ Nike advan­cing to right, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond over her left shoulder; to right and below left, monograms. RG 11. RPC I 2026. Very well centered and in unusually nice condition for this difficult issue. Slightly rough, otherwise, nearly very fine.



This is the earliest portrait of Julius Caesar, predating that of Lampsacus (RPC I 2268-9) by a year and the earliest Rome mint denarii by two. Unfortunately, the issue is often weakly struck and poorly preserved - this example, with its attractive portrait and a legible date, thus is a pleasant exception.