Denomination: Posthumous silver denarius

Period: Roman empire

Date: After AD 147

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: AVF

Obverse: Draped bust of Faustina, right, DIVA FAVSTINA

Reverse: Juno standing, raising right hand and holding long sceptre in left, AETERNITAS

Size and Weight: 17mm, 2.84g

References: Spink 4574, RIC344

Features and Provenance: Faustina Senior or First or 'the Elder' was wife of Antoninus Pius and mother of Faustina II or Junior, a future empress herself. Unusually, Faustina Senior married whilst still a private citizen and they had four children. Sadly, all but one (Faustina Junior)died before their parents were raised to their imperial ranks. Her extensive coinage was only produced after her death in AD140, only two years after being made Augusta. Antoninus was devastated by her death and he had her deified, had huge statues erected in her honour and founded an orphanage for Roman girl's in her name, continuing her charitable works she herself was famous and admired for. 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible