This denarius was part of a series of posthumous issues to commemorate the consecration of Faustina II. A veiled bust (RIC 738) variety was issued with the same reverse design. Also issued was a rare denarius with the same reverse legend but with Aeternitas standing, holding a globe surmounted by a phoenix and leaning her left elbow on a column (RIC 740). Faustina II, AD 147-175/6. Roman AR denarius, 3.51 g, 19.0 mm, 6 h. Rome, AD 176-180. Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, bare-headed and draped bust, right. Rev: AETERNITAS, Aeternitas standing facing, head left, drawing out veil with right hand and holding long vertical torch in left hand. Refs: RIC 739; BMCRE 706-707; RSC/Cohen 2; RCV 5212; CRE 155. Notes: Ex-Harlan Berk. While researching this coin, I noticed the British Museum specimen (BMCRE 706), while not a die match, is so similar in style that I'm quite sure it was engraved by the same hand as mine. Post anything you feel is relevant.
Nice looking example @Roman Collector. I do not have an Aeternitas example, but this is my favorite of hers: FAUSTINA MINOR AR Denarius OBVERSE: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, diademed and draped bust right REVERSE: SAECVLI FELICIT, throne (Pulvinar) upon which sits Commodus and Antoninus Struck at Rome, 161-175 AD 3.22g, 17mm RIC 712 (Aurelius) RSC 190
FAVSTINA I AR Denarius, 20mm 3.1 grams Obverse: Diva Faustina Sr AR Denarius. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right Reverse: AETE-R-NITAS, Aeternitas, Providentia, or Urania standing front holding globe, veil blowing out around head. Reference: RSC 32, RIC 351
Nice catch. I think the obverse dies are the same and different reverse dies. It looks like the coin is just tilted a bit in the bottom photo making it appear slightly different. Legend orientation is identical between the two. just my two cents (no pun intended).
Not quite. Look at the relationship between the FA in FAVSTINA and the chignon of the empress's hair.
Interesting and nice type. I always wonder what the four short lines above the forehead are. Part of the hairstyle or jewellery? Here is my example of RIC 739: and my example of RIC 740: and to make the series complete, RIC 738 with veil:
Very nice. I have one of those as well. Diva Faustina II, AD 147-175/6. Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.73 g, 30.8 mm, 1 h. Rome, AD 176 or later. Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, bare-headed and draped bust right. Rev: Aeternitas standing facing, head left, holding phoenix on globe in right hand and leaning left elbow on column. Refs: RIC 1693; BMCRE 1563-65; Cohen 7; RCV 5222; MIR 51; Banti 4.