Ancient Rome 146 AD Diva Faustina Sr, Ceres Silver Denarius Extra Fine (EF40)

Ancient Rome 146AD Diva Faustina the Elder, Ceres Silver Denarius Extra Fine (EF40)

Faustina the Elder (c. 100–140 CE), born as Annia Galeria Faustina, also known as Faustina Sr or Faustina Major, was the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius and empress of Rome during his reign. Renowned for her beauty, dignity, and charitable reputation, she was greatly honored both during her life and after her death. When she died in 140 CE, Antoninus Pius deeply mourned her and had her deified by the Senate, commissioning temples, statues, and an extensive coinage series in her memory. These posthumous coins often depict her as a goddess, emphasizing her virtues and divine status. Faustina Sr.’s deification helped reinforce the image of the imperial family as pious and benevolent, strengthening the legitimacy of Antoninus’s rule.

Obverse: The draped bust of Faustina the Elder facing right, with her hair elaborately waved in several loops around her head and coiled on top, with the legend around.
Reverse: A draped and veiled Ceres standing facing left, holding two corn-ears downwards in her right hand, and a lit torch in her left, with the legend around.

Specifications:
Emperor: Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161)
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 3 g
Diameter: Approx. 17.5 g
Mint: Rome