COIN (ROMAN)
An incomplete and worn copper-alloy Roman probable as of Augustus (31 BC-AD 14), probably dating to the period c.27-10 BC (Reece period 1). COL NEM reverse type depicting a palm branch behind a chained crocodile, teeth visible on top of upper jaw. Mint of Nemausus (Nimes, Gaul). RIC I (2nd ed.), p. 51, nos. 154-157; RPC I, nos. 522-523.

This coin is relatively lightweight, although quite worn, and probably belongs with the lighter (as?) issues of Nemausus Series I (RPC 523) 




 
Ruler: Augustus
Denomination: As
Material: Copper alloy
Mint: Gallic mint
Mintmark: -//-
Obverse: Heads of Agrippa and Augustus, back to back. Agrippa (to left), wearing a  rostral crown and Augustus right, bare headed
Obverse legend: IMP / [DIVI F]
Reverse: Palm branch behind a chained crocodile, teeth visible on top of upper jaw
Reverse legend: CO[L] -NEM
Dated: -27.0 to -10.0
Weight (g): 9.6
Diameter (mm): 24.0
Completeness: Incomplete
Preservation: Fair
Parish: Restricted Access
District: Havant
County: Hampshire
Region: South East
Place known as: Hayling Island
Discovery method: Metal detector
RIC reference: ric.1(2).aug.155
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 PUBLIC-543CF1.