Faustina Senior - Silver Denarius - RIC # III # 344 - A.D. 141 - AETERNITAS

Diva Faustina Senior (wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius

Historical Significance: The Empress of Rome's Golden Age Faustina Senior, or Annia Galeria Faustina, was the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius, who ruled during the height of the Pax Romana—a period considered one of the most peaceful and prosperous eras in Roman history. Her passing in A.D. 141 deeply affected Antoninus Pius, who dedicated himself to honoring her memory. He had her deified (making her Diva Faustina) and instituted the Puellae Faustinianae, a charitable foundation for poor girls, in her honor. Posthumous coins like this one are a tangible testament to the devotion of one of Rome's most beloved and longest-reigning emperors to his wife.

Obverse (Diva Faustina): The obverse features the elegant draped bust of Diva Faustina I, facing right. Her elaborate braided hairstyle, coiled on top of her head, is a signature feature of her deified coinage. The legend DIVA FAVSTINA proclaims her status as a deified empress after her death in A.D. 141. Faustina was the first Roman empress to receive a temple in the Roman Forum after her death, underscoring the deep reverence Emperor Antoninus Pius held for her.

Reverse (Aeternitas): The reverse displays the goddess AETERNITAS (Eternity), standing left and holding a transverse scepter. The legend AETERNITAS celebrates the eternal memory of the deified Empress. This type of coinage, with personifications like Aeternitas, was issued in huge quantities by Antoninus Pius to ensure his wife's perpetual place among the Roman gods. It served to reinforce the stability and permanence of the Imperial regime.

Estimated Grade (by seller using AI Analysis): Very Fine (VF) to About Extremely Fine (aEF/Near EF). The portrait is strong and clear, and the reverse figure is well-centered and distinct. The lettering is mostly legible, though the edges show some ancient wear and a slight raggedness to the flan. The overall eye appeal is very good.