Posthumous Sestertius of Diva Faustina

Posthumous Sestertius of Diva Faustina, orichalcum, struck under the reign of Antoninus Pius after 140 CE. Weight 25.50 g, diameter 33 mm. Obverse shows draped bust of Faustina facing right with legend DIVA FAVSTINA; reverse bears legend AETERNITAS above S C in exergue, depicting Juno standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding sceptre. Sharply struck on broad flan, moderate high-point flattening; surfaces exhibit olive-green patination with lighter brassy highlights. Struck at Rome. Catalogued in RIC 1102, BMC 1480, Cohen 28.

Struck soon after Faustina's death and deification in 140 CE, this sestertius broadcast her newly conferred status as a goddess and reinforced Antoninus Pius's legitimacy through filial piety. The image of Juno, patroness of matrons, underscored the empress's virtues and projected continuity of divine protection over the imperial household and Roman state.