Ancient Rome 140 AD Diva Faustina Sr. Ceres Silver Denarius Almost Uncirculated (AU50)

Ancient Rome 140 AD Diva Faustina Sr. Ceres Silver Denarius Almost Uncirculated (AU50)

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 DIVA FAUSTINA around.
Reverse: A veiled Ceres seated facing left, holding grain ears in her right hand, and a long torch in her left, with the legend CERES 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