If you have followed CT for months you know I like Roman imperial coins with reverses that are unique to a particular person on the obverse. Do you recognize this one? DEDICATIO AEDIS, 17-16 mm. 3.05 grams 6-column temple, Victories at edge of roof, quadriga on top. A portion of the temple facade still exits in Rome, enclosing the Church of S. Lorenzo in Miranda, along the Forum. If you have been to Rome and walked the Forum, you have seen it. Do you remember who the temple was initially dedicated to? Faustina Sr, d. 141, wife of Antoninus Pius, who reigned 138-161. RIC 388 "Rare". No photo. BMC (A.P.) 479 with no photo, which usually means their example was too poor to photograph. Hill "Undated Coins of Rome" 434, "R2" means 5-9 in all the hoards he studied. Nervertheless, there have been numerous examples on the market (e.g. acsearch brings up about 28), but it must be at least scarce. Beckmann, in Faustina, chapter 3, says her hairstyle changed to include a stephanie (which this portrait does not have) in 144, so this coin is dated to 141-144. Some day I will include it on my pages of reverses from which the person on the obverse can be identified: http://augustuscoins.com/ed/unique/unique.html Show us something related!
Got this one. FAUSTINA Sr. (138-141 AD) AR Denarius DIVA FAVSTINA Draped bust right. AED DIV FAVSTINAE Hexastyle temple of diva faustina, containing seated statue of the deity, trellis-work fencing in foreground at foot of steps. 17mm 3.2g RIC 343
This As of Nero, reverse of him playing the lyre, famously recalls this emperor's predilections to the arts, and his participation in artistic, musical competitions, especially in Greece. The aureus of Claudius commemorates the Praetorians declaring him successor and new emperor.
Here's another where the reverse clearly indicates what emperor. Trajan AE Dupondius 105 AD. Danube bridge. RIC 570, 10.3gm
