BITHYNIA. Nicaea. Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC. Assarion (Bronze, 23 mm, 6.80 g, 12 h), C. Vibius Pansa Caetronianus, proconsul and governor of Bithynia et Pontus, CY 236 = 47-46. [ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ] Bare head of Julius Caesar to right. Rev. [Ε]ΠΙ ΓΑΙ[ΟΥ] - ΟΥΙΒΙΟ[Υ] / ΠΑΝ[ΣΑ // 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. Patina lightly chipped and with some deposits and light cleaning scratches, otherwise, 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.