Roman Silver Denarius Faustina II AD161-175

Description

Heading: Roman silver denarius Faustinsa II AD161-175

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman imperial

Date: AD161-175

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: VF. small scrape to forehead

Obverse: Draped bust of Faustina. right. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA

Reverse: Ceres is seated on a chest or basket holding corn stalks. left. CERES

Size and Weight: 2.89g. 18mm

References: RIC 669. Sear 5249

Features and Provenance: Faustina married Marcus Aurelius in 145 AD. however. since his predecessor. Antoninus Pius. had adopted Aurelius. he was effectively marrying his sister. Therefore. for the marriage to go ahead he had to relinquish his paternal lineage to one of them. They were by all accounts a devoted couple. but this did not stop the writers of the day. often paid by the opposition. to write scathing remarks. Faustina was portrayed as a poisoner and executioner as well as an adulteress with sailors. gladiator and men of rank. Unfortunately. little else is recorded about her life to deny the accusations. but she travelled with Aurelius everywhere even to the battle front and was later known as the ‘Mother of the Camp’; she died in 175 after an accident at one such camp.

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

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