Faustina Senior, Augusta, 138-140/1. As (Copper, 28 mm, 12.25 g, 4 h), Rome, 139. FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII P P Diademed and draped bust of Faustina Senior to right. Rev. IVNONI REGINAE / S - C Juno, veiled, standing front, head to left, holding patera in her right hand and long scepter in her left; at her feet to left, peacock standing left, head right. BMC 1130. Cohen 217. RIC 1091. A very attractive coin with a lovely portrait and a beautiful brown patina. Minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.




The vast majority of coins issued for Faustina Senior were struck after her death in 140/1, which is hardly surprising. At the time of her passing, her husband, Antoninus Pius, had been emperor for only 2-3 years but would go on to rule for another two decades, until his death in 161 at the venerable age of 74. Coins minted during Faustina’s lifetime are easily distinguishable from the posthumous issues, as the latter always depict her as Diva, a deified empress. While coins struck during her lifetime are not particularly rare, they are notably scarcer than the posthumous issues, and bronze examples in such exceptional condition as the present piece - further enhanced by its beautiful patina - are very difficult to find.