Nikaia (BC 47-46) AE 24 - Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, 47/6 BC. AE24 - Assarion (8.38g, 11h). C. Vibius Pansa, proconsul. Dated CY 236 (47/6 BC). Bare head of Caesar right / ΓAIOY down right field, OYBIOY / ΠANΣA down left, Nike advancing right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm over left shoulder; monograms to left and right; VΛΣ (date) in exergue. Near VF, black patina. Ex Drewry Coll.

This type was the first anywhere to feature the portrait of Julius Caesar. C. Vibius Pansa was part of the Caesarian faction at Rome, and probably owed his proconsulship to his patron. The only other definite lifetime portrait of Caesar from the provincial series was an issue of ca 45 BC at Lampsacus (RPC I 2268-9). Both of these issues preceded the earliest appearance of his portrait at Rome, on the denarii of M. Mettius in January 44 BC.