GAUL. Nemausus. Augustus, with Agrippa (27 BC-14 AD). Ae.

Obv: IMP / DIVI F.
Back to back heads of Agrippa left, wearing combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, and Augustus right, bare.
Rev: COL NEM.
Crocodile right chained to palm branch; wreath with long ties above, palms below.

RPC I 523; SNG Copehagen 696-8.

The name of the city Nemausus derives from a Celtic god worshipped by the Volcae Arecomici, who had established their capital here, later transformed by Augustus into Colonia Augusta Nemausus (27 BC). The symbol of the city was the Egyptian crocodile chained to a palm tree that appears on the reverse of this coin series, which features the portraits of Augustus and his lieutenant Agrippa on the obverse. The types are a clear allusion to the founding of the city by legionaries returning from the Egyptian campaigns and to Augustus' victory, thanks to Agrippa, over Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium (31 BC).

Condition: Near very fine.

Weight: 11.89 g.
Diameter: 25 mm.