Augustus and Agrippa AS crocodile (JA263)

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

Obv: IMP / P - P / DIVI F.
Heads of Agrippa, wearing combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, and Augustus, laureate, back to back.
Rev: COL - NEM.
Crocodile chained to palm frond with wreath attached, two branches below.

RPC 525; RIC² 159.

Condition: almost extremely fine (pitting)

Weight: 11,65 g.
Diameter: 25 mm.

This coin type was originally minted to publicize Augustus' conferment of the colony named Colonia Augusta Nemausus, in southern Gaul, in 27 BC. This specific coin, however, is from a revival of the 'crocodile dupondius' two years after the death of Agrippa. It includes P P (Pater Patriae) on the obverse, a title Augustus only received in 2 BC, showing that it was a later issue.