Dupondius Augustus - Nemausus, local cast

Augustus. Æ Dupondius. Nemausus (Nîmes), 9/8-3 BC Obv. IMP DIVI F Head of Augustus, wearing laurel wreath (missing head of Agrippa, wearing combined rostral crown and laurel wreath) Rev. COL NEM Crocodile right, chained to palm frond with wreath at top; two palm fronds at base. cf RIC 160 , Cohen 8 Type commemorating the victory of Actium; reverse may be the stylized representation of a ship (see http://perso.wanadoo.fr/as-de-nimes ). Crocodile and chain represent the defeated Egypt, with crowns and palm, a reference to the victory of Actium. Cast from an official dupondius, most probably issued officially to make up for shortage of small bronze currency in Gaul. Untouched dark green patina.