COIN (ROMAN)
A copper-alloy Roman as of Augustus (31 BC-AD 14), probably dating to the period c.AD 10-14 (Reece period 1). COL-NEM reverse type depicting a palm branch behind a chained crocodile. Mint of Nemausus (Nimes, Gaul). RIC I (2nd ed.), p. 52, nos. 159-161; RPC no. 525. The coin has been deliberately cut in half in antiquity. 


Obverse description: Head of Agrippa (to left), wearing a combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, [and Augustus (to right), laureate], back to back
Obverse inscription: IM[P] DIV[I F]; P [P] to left and right of the heads
Reverse description: Crocodile right, behind a palm branch
Reverse inscription: [COL]-NEM
Ruler: Augustus
Denomination: As
Material: Copper alloy
Mint: Gallic mint
Obverse: Head of Agrippa (to left), wearing a combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, [and Augustus (to right), laureate], back to back. P [P] to left and right of heads.
Obverse legend: IM[P] DIV[I F, P [P]
Reverse: Crocodile right, behind a palm
Reverse legend: [COL]-NEM
Dated: 10.0 to 14.0
Weight (g): 5.52
Thickness (mm): 2.4
Completeness: Complete
Preservation: Poor
Parish: Rotherhithe
District: Southwark
County: Greater London Authority
Region: London
Discovery method: Mudlarking
RIC reference: ric.1(2).aug.159
Notes: The reverse type depicting the chained crocodile is the civic device for Nemausus (Nimes) and likely references Augustus' victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC (at which Agrippa led his fleet against Antony and Cleopatra) and subsequent conquest of Egypt in 30 BC. The coinage was probably introduced between c.27-25 BC, around the time work began on the construction of the sanctuary at Nimes, with heavier and lighter sub-series in the initial issues. In Britain, these coins are unusual finds given their relatively early date of production and are likely to have reached the province after the Claudian invasion in AD 43. Other PAS examples include ESS-55F4F2, IOW-00DA32, and HAMP-753937.