Faustina the Elder, 138-140, Denarius

Faustina the Elder, Denarius, AR, struck during the reign of Antoninus Pius, 138-140 AD, minted in Rome. The coin weighs 2.78 grams and measures approximately 18mm in diameter.

The obverse features a draped bust of Faustina the Elder facing right, with the legend "DIVA FAVSTINA," commemorating her deification. The reverse depicts the personification of Aeternitas, seated left, holding a globe in her right hand and a phoenix on a scepter in her left, with the legend "AETERNITAS." The coin exhibits a typical, well-centered strike for the period with minor wear on high relief areas. Referencing RIC III Antoninus Pius 348a (denarius), this piece is well-preserved with slight toning. Historically, this coin commemorates the deification of Faustina the Elder, the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius. After her death in 140 AD, she was consecrated and honored with a series of minted coins promoting her divine status, reflecting the Roman practice of deifying members of the imperial family to consolidate and propagate the ruler's authority and lineage.