Ive had this coin for a few months now and just decided to share it. Whats makes this coin rare is the reverse. I even got this coin published on wildwinds! Faustina Jr. (146 - 175 A.D.) AR Denarius O: DIVA FAUSTINA PIA, Draped bust right. R: CONSECRATIO Pietas standing left, sacrificing from patera over a lighted altar and holding a sceptre. Rome 3.2 18.5 RIC III 741 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 57-4/10' BMCRE 711 note; RSC 65
Well, it's no goat ... but it's okay!! ahaha, just jokes Mat => fantastic score (congrats on the ol' Wildwind badge!!)
Rare variety. Only one other example was sold twice on CNG and a different bust type with the same reverse was also sold on CNG. Only examples I could find.
See, that is the benefit of knowledge. I would have skipped over this coin never knowing it was anything other than a common denari. Of course, there are just thousands of similar areas in ancients. Anyone believing they have learned it all in ancients better be David Sear!
Thats why I think the coin was sitting on ebay when it was listed. I knew it was something off when I saw the standing figure on a death issue. Im used to seeing it on her mom but Jr? After looking around online and even asking Bill his imput, it confirmed my thoughts and bought it after a offer. $40 total too.
Several things went right here. It is good when a special type finds a home with someone who appreciates it rather than going unappreciated in the trays of a 'any Faustina will do' collector. It is especially good when a special coin shows up in better than average condition. Even better, the one among us who appreciates the coin can explain it to those of us who knew no better than to think it was just another coin of a common lady.
