CILICIA. Mallus. Faustina Junior, with Lucilla, Augusta, 147-175. AE (Bronze, 28 mm, 14.90 g, 6 h), circa 163-169. ΑΝΙΑΝ (sic) ΦΑΥΤΙΝΑΝ (sic) ϹΕΒΑϹΤΗΝ Draped bust of Faustina II to right. Rev. ΛΟΥΚΙΛΛΑΝ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΗΝ ΜΑΛΛΩΤ(ΩΝ Draped bust of Lucilla to right. RPC IV.3 online 10299. SNG Levante 1277. Very rare, a highly interesting dynastic type. Porous and lightly smoothed, otherwise, very fine.



This highly unusual type was struck in honor of Faustina the Younger and Lucilla, the wives of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. It likely dates to the period between 163 and 169. A later issue - considered by RPC - seems improbable, as Lucius Verus died in 169 and Faustina the Younger in 175. A possible issue under Commodus, before Lucilla fell from favor, also appears very unlikely, since Faustina is not depicted as a Diva.