Faustina Junior, Augusta, 147-175. Aureus (Gold, 18 mm, 7.32 g, 11 h), Rome, circa 161-164. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA Draped bust of Faustina Junior to right. Rev. SALVTI AVGVSTAE Salus seated left, feeding serpent, rising from altar, out of patera with her right hand and leaning with her left elbow on throne. BMC 152. Calicó 2073a. Cohen 198. MIR 30-2/b. RIC 716. Very well struck in high relief and with a lovely portrait. Good extremely fine.



Faustina Junior was the youngest child of Antoninus Pius and Faustina Senior. She was originally betrothed to Lucius Verus, in accordance with Hadrian’s dynastic plans, but after the death of Verus’ father Aelius in 138 the engagement was broken off, and in 145 she married her maternal cousin Marcus Aurelius. Despite the hostile gossip preserved by some ancient authors, as well as the uncertain tradition concerning her role in the revolt of Avidius Cassius in 175, the marriage appears to have remained close. Faustina accompanied Marcus on campaign and was later honored with the title mater castrorum. The couple had an unusually large family, with thirteen or fourteen children according to the reconstruction adopted, of whom only a handful survived into adulthood, including the future emperor Commodus.