BITHYNIA. Nicaea. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Diassarion (Bronze, 22 mm, 7.78 g, 6 h). ΑΥT ΚAI Λ ΟΥΗΡΟ (sic!) CЄΒ Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus to right, seen from behind. Rev. NIKAIEIC / KTICTH Dionysos standing front, head to left, holding kantharos in his right hand and thyrsos in his left, within tetrastyle temple; in pediment, two serpents (?). RPC IV.1 online 5974 = RG 219. Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example. Light deposits and minor roughness on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.


The reverse of this interesting issue hails Dionysos as the founder (κτίστης) of the city.