Mine collection: The Roman Republic Octavian and Julius Caesar . Dupondius, Lugdunum (as Copia) circa 31 mm, Æ 20.3 IMP CAESAR DIVI F DIVI IV Laureate head of Julius Caesar l. and bareheaded Octavian r., back to back; palm branch between. Rev. Prow r., decorated by dolphin; above, globe and meta. In exergue, COPIA. Giard, Lyon 7. SNG Copenhagen 689. RPC 515. [/li] Second Triumvirate, 36 B.C., Lugdunum, Gaul Lyon was originally founded as the Roman city Colonia Copia Felix Munatia, a name invoking prosperity and the blessing of the gods. The city became increasingly referred to as Lugdunum by the end of the 1st century A.D. The etymology of Lugdunum is a latinization of the Gaulish place name Lugodunon. While dunon means hill fort, the source of Lug is uncertain. The most commonly offered meaning is the Celtic god named Lug. During the Middle Ages, Lugdunum was transformed to Lyon by natural sound change. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugdunum
I've not seen one of these posted anywhere. They must be fairly rare. A very interesting piece. A couple of questions: What is the meaning of the "COPIA" in exerque; and what year was this struck?
great looking coin, i thought it might commemorate actium..but i guess that was after the coin. sweet galley anyway and cool that it has jc and octavian!
Hmmm? => ro1974, I think I like the original photo better? (which photo looks more like the real coin?)
Well, I guess 'copia' refers to copious or abundant from what I read in the link...and I love all the history connected with the coin and the origins and transformation of the current day Lyons... And I must agree that the second photo looks a bit 'artificial' or was the coin harshly cleaned??