BITHYNIA. Nicaea. Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Assarion (Bronze, 24 mm, 8.14 g, 12 h), C. Vibius Pansa Caetronianus, proconsul and governor of Bithynia et Pontus, CY 236 = 47/6. ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ 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. Rare. Well centered and unusually well preserved for this important issue, with an impressive portrait of Julius Caesar. 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.